Red Bull Voices Regret Regarding Comments Following Death Threats Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for comments made that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these messages included direct threats against the driver's life.

The controversy stems from team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer remarked 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 title fight, as the overtake secured two additional points. This extended the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made implying that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a formal apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the incident.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"

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

For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was driving aggressively to catch the Williams ahead and had a "big snap" that led him to go off track and lose the position.

"It proved really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points."

Key Points from the Situation

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