The Red Bull team Voices Regret Regarding Remarks Linked to Death Threats Against Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement expressing its deep remorse for comments made that preceded widespread online abuse, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team stated that several of these communications included threats against the driver's life.
The situation originated with radio communications during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked 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 championship battle, as Norris's pass secured extra points. This extended the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."
The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Toto Wolff after being shown video evidence of the incident.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me 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 cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the race.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He commented he was driving aggressively to close on Carlos Sainz and had a "big snap" that led him to go off track and surrender fourth place.
"It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," 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 expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
- The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
- Video replays confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.
