Red Bull Voices Regret Regarding Comments Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement stating its sincere regret for post-race remarks that were followed by a torrent of online abuse, 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 confirmed that several of these messages constituted direct threats against the driver's life.
The controversy originated with team radio during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let rival driver Lando Norris to pass.
This occurrence proved significant for the championship battle, as the overtake secured two additional points. This extended the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to online abuse."
The team's statement stopped short of a formal apology for the original claim. However, reports 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 second place in the team standings... 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 actual incident when he made the comment. The team reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to catch the Williams ahead 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. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Main Takeaways from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
- The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
- Video replays confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action.
- The engineer involved has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.
