The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Over Comments Following Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for post-race remarks that were followed by widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli reportedly changed his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. His team stated that a number of these messages included direct threats against the youngster's life.
The situation originated with team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.
This occurrence proved crucial for the championship battle, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This increased the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse."
The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry 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 battling for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he made the comment. Mercedes noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and surrender fourth place.
"It proved really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Main Takeaways from the Incident
- Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
- The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that affected the championship standings.
- Video evidence confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
