Red Bull Voices Regret Regarding Remarks Following Online Abuse Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have switched his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team stated that several of these communications constituted threats against the driver's life.

The controversy originated with team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved significant for the championship battle, as the overtake secured two additional points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse."

The team's statement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to catch Carlos Sainz and had a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and surrender fourth place.

"It was really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been additional points."

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of team orders.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.