Red Bull Expresses Regret Regarding Comments Following Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment stating its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have switched his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that several of these communications constituted direct threats against the driver'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 "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris through.
This occurrence proved crucial for the championship battle, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This increased the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Observations 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 enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving such abuse."
The team's announcement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Toto Wolff after being shown video evidence of the on-track moment.
"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 say something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the moment 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 error. He commented he was pushing hard to close on Carlos Sainz and had a "big snap" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place.
"It was 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 two more points."
Main Takeaways from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a team member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
- The controversial remark centered on an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
- Video replays show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
- The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
