Red Bull Expresses Regret Regarding Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Against Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by a torrent of online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. His team stated that a number of these communications included threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy originated with team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris through.

This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as the overtake secured extra points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Observations 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 enabling Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving such abuse."

The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after being shown footage of the on-track moment.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and lose the position.

"It was 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 radio remarks made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The controversial remark involved an on-track pass that affected the championship standings.
• Video evidence show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.