The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Over Remarks Following Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by a torrent of social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these messages included threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy stems from team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.

This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This extended the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made suggesting that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's statement stopped short of a formal apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Toto Wolff after being shown footage of the on-track moment.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the moment when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained 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 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 Situation

• 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 championship standings.
• Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has apologised to Mercedes management.