Red Bull Expresses Regret Over Remarks Following Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly switched his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these communications constituted direct threats against the driver's life.

The situation stems from team radio during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.

This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass earned him extra points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made implying that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving such abuse."

The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Toto Wolff after reviewing video evidence of the incident.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say 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 abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He said he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that led him to run wide and surrender fourth place.

"It was really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Main Takeaways from the Situation

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The controversial remark centered on an on-track pass that affected the championship standings.
• Video replays confirm Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.