The Red Bull team Voices Remorse Regarding Remarks Following Death Threats Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

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

Antonelli reportedly switched his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that several of these communications constituted threats against the driver's life.

The controversy stems from team radio during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to online abuse."

The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the on-track moment.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind 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 spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the actual incident when he made the comment. The team reported a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to catch Carlos Sainz and had a "big snap" that led him to run wide and lose the position.

"It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more 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 wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that affected the championship standings.
• Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.