The Red Bull team Voices Remorse Over Comments Following Online Abuse Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for post-race remarks that were followed by widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver 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 stated that several of these messages included direct threats against the youngster's life.
The situation originated with team radio during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.
This incident proved crucial for the championship battle, as Norris's pass secured extra points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Observations 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 resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse."
The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later 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 fighting for P2 in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported 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 pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and had a "massive moment" that caused him to go off track and lose the position.
"It proved really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional 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 controversial remark centered on an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
- Video replays show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of team orders.
- The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.
