The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Over Remarks Following Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement 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 was said to have changed his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these messages included direct threats against the youngster's life.
The controversy originated with team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.
This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake secured two additional points. This increased the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Observations voiced implying that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse."
The team's announcement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the incident.
"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he did not witness the actual incident when he made the comment. The team reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race.
For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a simple mistake. He commented he was driving aggressively to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that caused him to go off track and lose the position.
"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Key Points from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
- The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
- Video replays confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of team orders.
- The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
