The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Regarding Comments Following Death Threats Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement stating its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. His team stated that a number of these communications constituted direct threats against the driver's life.

The situation originated with radio communications during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.

This incident proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake secured two additional points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a formal apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Mercedes team principal after being shown video evidence of the incident.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting 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 claimed he did not witness the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He commented 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 proved really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points."

Main Takeaways from the Incident

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that affected the championship standings.
• Video replays show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of team orders.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.