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

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment stating its sincere regret for comments made that were followed by widespread social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these communications included threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy stems from team radio during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase 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 extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving such abuse."

The team's statement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the on-track moment.

"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 brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he did not witness the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a simple mistake. He commented he was driving aggressively to catch Carlos Sainz and had a "big snap" that caused him to go off track and lose the position.

"It was really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Main Takeaways from the Incident

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of team orders.
• The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes management.