The Red Bull team 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 online abuse, including death 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 flooded his accounts. His team confirmed that several of these messages constituted threats against the driver's life.

The controversy originated with team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.

This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This extended the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a formal 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 astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he spoke over the radio. The team reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and experienced a "big snap" that caused him to go off track and lose the position.

"It proved 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 was targeted by death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The controversial remark centered on an on-track pass that affected the title battle.
• Video replays show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has apologised to Mercedes management.