The Red Bull team Expresses Remorse Over Remarks Following Death Threats Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for post-race remarks that were followed by a torrent of social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these messages constituted direct threats against the driver's life.

The controversy stems from radio communications during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake secured extra points. This extended the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse."

The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Mercedes team principal after being shown footage of the on-track moment.

"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 explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he did not witness the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to close on the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and lose the position.

"It proved really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points."

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
• The controversial remark centered on an on-track pass that affected the title battle.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.