Red Bull Expresses Regret Over Comments Linked to Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment stating its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have switched his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these communications constituted 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 remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake earned him two additional 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 clarified: "Comments made suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Replay footage shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse."

The team's statement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. 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 blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he made the comment. Mercedes noted a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the race.

For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He commented he was driving aggressively to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that led 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."

Main Takeaways from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
• Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, debunking the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.