The Red Bull team Voices Remorse Over Comments Linked to 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 preceded a torrent of social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. His team stated that several of these messages constituted threats against the youngster'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 "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris to pass.

This occurrence proved significant for the title fight, as Norris's pass secured extra points. This increased the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse."

The team's announcement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Toto Wolff after reviewing video evidence of the incident.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for second place in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes noted a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a simple mistake. He commented he was pushing hard to close on the Williams ahead and experienced 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," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Main Takeaways from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
• The controversial remark involved an on-track pass that affected the title battle.
• Video replays confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.