The Red Bull team Expresses Remorse Regarding Remarks Linked to Death Threats Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement expressing its deep remorse for post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these communications included direct threats against the driver's life.

The situation stems from team radio during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.

This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass secured extra points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse."

The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing video evidence of the incident.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a simple mistake. He commented he was driving aggressively to catch the Williams ahead and had a "big snap" that caused him to go off track and lose the position.

"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 additional points."

Main Takeaways from the Incident

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
• Video replays show Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes management.