Red Bull Voices Remorse Over Comments Linked to Online Abuse Against Driver Kimi Antonelli

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

Antonelli was said to have changed his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these communications included threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy originated with radio communications during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.

This occurrence proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake earned him 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 to overtake are clearly incorrect. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's statement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Toto Wolff after being shown video evidence of the incident.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. The team reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to close on the Williams ahead and experienced a "big snap" that led him to run wide and surrender fourth place.

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

Main Takeaways from the Incident

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