Red Bull Voices Regret Over Comments Linked to Death Threats Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement expressing its deep remorse for post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have changed his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. His team stated that several of these communications included threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy originated with radio communications during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake secured extra points. This increased the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made implying that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

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

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes reported a "1,100% increase" 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 "big snap" that caused him to run wide and surrender fourth place.

"It proved really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been additional points."

Main Takeaways from the Situation

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an on-track pass that affected the title battle.
• Video replays show Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.