Red Bull Expresses Remorse Regarding Comments Linked to Online Abuse Against Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for comments made that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. His team confirmed that several of these messages constituted direct threats against the driver's life.

The situation stems from radio communications during the closing stages of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.

This incident proved crucial for the championship battle, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Comments voiced implying that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse."

The team's announcement stopped short of a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the incident.

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

Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. The team noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to close on the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and lose the position.

"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Key Points from the Situation

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The controversial remark involved an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
• Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.