The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Over Remarks Linked to Death Threats Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for post-race remarks that were followed by a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly switched his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these messages included direct threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy stems from radio communications during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.

This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass earned him extra points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made implying that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to online abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Mercedes team principal after being shown footage of the incident.

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

Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the moment when he spoke over the radio. The team reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to close on the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place.

"It proved 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 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 overtaking move that affected the title battle.
• Video replays confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of team orders.
• The engineer involved has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.