The Red Bull team Voices Remorse Over Remarks Linked to Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment stating its deep remorse for comments made that preceded a torrent of social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these communications constituted direct threats against the driver's life.

The situation originated with radio communications during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.

This incident proved crucial for the championship battle, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced suggesting that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving online abuse."

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

"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the moment when he spoke over the radio. The team reported a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that led him to run wide and surrender fourth place.

"It proved 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 additional points."

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
• The controversial remark centered on an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
• Video replays confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the implication of team orders.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.