🔗 Share this article Red Bull Voices Remorse Regarding Comments Following Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli Max Verstappen's win in Qatar sets up a thrilling season finale. The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement stating its sincere regret for comments made that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli reportedly switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these communications constituted threats against the youngster'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 to pass. This incident proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake secured two additional points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi. In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made 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 such abuse." The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the incident. "This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?" Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli finished fifth at the demanding Qatar Grand Prix. For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a simple mistake. He commented he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that caused him to run wide and surrender fourth place. "It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been additional points." Key Points from the Situation Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the wake of those comments. The disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that affected the title battle. Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of team orders. The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
Max Verstappen's win in Qatar sets up a thrilling season finale. The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement stating its sincere regret for comments made that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli reportedly switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these communications constituted threats against the youngster'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 to pass. This incident proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake secured two additional points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi. In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made 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 such abuse." The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the incident. "This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?" Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli finished fifth at the demanding Qatar Grand Prix. For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a simple mistake. He commented he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that caused him to run wide and surrender fourth place. "It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been additional points." Key Points from the Situation Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the wake of those comments. The disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that affected the title battle. Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of team orders. The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes management.