Red Bull Expresses Regret Regarding Remarks Following Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for comments made that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these communications included direct threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy stems from radio communications during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris to pass.

This incident proved crucial for the championship battle, as the overtake secured extra points. This extended the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Observations voiced implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's statement stopped short of a formal apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Toto Wolff after being shown video evidence of the incident.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the moment when he made the comment. The team reported a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was driving aggressively to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that led him to run wide and surrender fourth place.

"It was really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Key Points from the Situation

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
• The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
• Video replays confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.