The Red Bull team Voices Remorse Regarding Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment stating its deep remorse for comments made that preceded widespread online abuse, including death 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 response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these communications included direct threats against the driver's life.
The situation stems from team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.
This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to online abuse."
The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Toto Wolff after being shown video evidence of the on-track moment.
"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for second place in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the race.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was driving aggressively to close on the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and lose the position.
"It was really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points."
Key Points from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
- The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
- Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.
