The Red Bull team Expresses Remorse Over Comments Linked to Online Abuse 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 widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile 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 direct threats against the youngster's life.

The situation originated with team radio during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris through.

This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass secured extra points. This increased the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced implying that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily 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 did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the incident.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the moment when he made the comment. The team noted a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He commented he was driving aggressively to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that caused him to run wide and surrender fourth place.

"It was really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Main Takeaways from the Situation

• Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
• Video replays confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.