Red Bull Voices Regret Regarding Remarks Following Death Threats Targeting 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 vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly switched his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that several of these messages constituted direct 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 "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris to pass.

This occurrence proved significant for the championship battle, as the overtake earned him extra points. This extended the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced suggesting that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving such abuse."

The team's announcement stopped short of a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Toto Wolff after reviewing video evidence of the incident.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 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 made the comment. Mercedes noted a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He said he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place.

"It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "A shame 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 involved an on-track pass that affected the championship standings.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.