The Red Bull team Expresses Remorse Over Remarks Following Online Abuse Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement expressing its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have switched his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these communications included threats against the driver's life.
The controversy stems from team radio during the final laps 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 incident proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake earned him two additional points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into 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 factually wrong. Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving such abuse."
The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Mercedes team principal after being shown video evidence of the incident.
"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting 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 had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. The team noted a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and lose the position.
"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," 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 radio remarks made by a team member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the wake of those comments.
- The disputed comment involved an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
- Video replays show Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action.
- The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.
