🔗 Share this article The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Regarding Comments Following Online Abuse Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli Max Verstappen's victory in Qatar sets up a dramatic championship decider. The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for comments made that preceded a torrent of social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli reportedly changed his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these messages included threats against the youngster's life. The controversy originated with team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass. This occurrence proved significant for the championship battle, as the overtake secured two additional points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi. In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made implying that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to online abuse." The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Mercedes team principal after reviewing footage of the incident. "This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?" Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli secured a P5 finish at the demanding Qatar Grand Prix. For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He said he was pushing hard to close on the Williams ahead and experienced a "big snap" that led him to run wide and lose the position. "It proved really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "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 radio remarks made by a staff member. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the wake of those comments. The controversial remark centered on an overtaking move that affected the championship standings. Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action. The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.
Max Verstappen's victory in Qatar sets up a dramatic championship decider. The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for comments made that preceded a torrent of social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli reportedly changed his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these messages included threats against the youngster's life. The controversy originated with team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass. This occurrence proved significant for the championship battle, as the overtake secured two additional points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi. In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made implying that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to online abuse." The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Mercedes team principal after reviewing footage of the incident. "This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?" Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli secured a P5 finish at the demanding Qatar Grand Prix. For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He said he was pushing hard to close on the Williams ahead and experienced a "big snap" that led him to run wide and lose the position. "It proved really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "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 radio remarks made by a staff member. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the wake of those comments. The controversial remark centered on an overtaking move that affected the championship standings. Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action. The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.