Red Bull Expresses Regret Regarding Remarks Following Death Threats Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for comments made that preceded a torrent of social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have changed his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these communications constituted threats against the youngster's life.
The controversy stems from team radio during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris through.
This occurrence proved crucial for the championship battle, as Norris's pass secured extra points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to 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 reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"
Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes noted a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that led him to run wide and surrender fourth place.
"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been additional points."
Key Points from the Situation
- Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the wake of those comments.
- The disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that impacted the championship standings.
- Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, debunking the implication of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
