The Red Bull team Expresses Remorse Regarding Remarks Following Death Threats Against Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly switched his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these communications included threats against the driver's life.

The controversy stems from radio communications during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let rival driver Lando Norris to pass.

This incident proved significant for the title fight, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced implying that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's announcement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Toto Wolff after reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was driving aggressively to close on the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and surrender fourth place.

"It proved really hard with the dirty air 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 Situation

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.