Red Bull Voices Regret Over Comments Following Death Threats Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for post-race remarks that were followed by widespread online abuse, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

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

The situation originated with radio communications during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.

This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This increased the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Comments voiced implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the incident.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 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 stated he did not witness the moment when he spoke over the radio. The team reported a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

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

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.