The Red Bull team Voices Regret Over Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Against Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for post-race remarks that were followed by widespread online abuse, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli reportedly switched his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that several of these messages included threats against the driver's life.
The situation stems from team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let rival driver Lando Norris to pass.
This incident proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake secured extra points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced implying that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving such abuse."
The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Toto Wolff after being shown video evidence of the on-track moment.
"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for second place in the team standings... 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 moment when he spoke over the radio. The team noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and had a "big snap" that led him to go off track and lose the position.
"It was really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Key Points from the Incident
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
- The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that affected the championship standings.
- Video replays show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.
