The Red Bull team Voices Remorse Regarding Remarks Following Online Abuse Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment stating its deep remorse for comments made that preceded widespread online abuse, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these messages included threats against the driver's life.
The controversy stems from radio communications 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 "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.
This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made implying that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Video evidence shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."
The team's statement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Mercedes team principal after being shown 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 say something like this?"
Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he spoke over the radio. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to catch the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and surrender fourth place.
"It was 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 two more points."
Key Points from the Incident
- 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 centered on an on-track pass that impacted the championship standings.
- Video replays show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
