The Red Bull team Expresses Remorse Regarding Remarks Linked to Death Threats Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that were followed by widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have switched his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that several of these communications constituted direct threats against the youngster's life.

The situation originated with team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.

This occurrence proved significant for the title fight, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This extended the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's announcement stopped short of a formal apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Mercedes team principal after reviewing footage of the incident.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling 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 claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to catch Carlos Sainz and had a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and lose the position.

"It was really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been additional points."

Key Points from the Situation

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
• Video evidence show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.