The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Over Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Against Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment stating its sincere regret for comments made that were followed by widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have switched his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that several of these communications constituted threats against the youngster's life.

The situation originated with team radio during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris to pass.

This occurrence proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake earned him extra points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Observations voiced suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's announcement stopped short of a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the incident.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the actual incident when he made the comment. The team noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He said he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that led him to go off track 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 two more points."

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.