Red Bull Voices Regret Over Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Against Driver Kimi Antonelli

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

Antonelli reportedly changed his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these communications included direct threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy stems from radio communications during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake secured extra points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's announcement stopped short of a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Mercedes team principal 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 added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. The team noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that led him to run wide 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."

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
• Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, debunking the implication of team orders.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.