Red Bull Expresses Regret Over Comments Following Death Threats Against Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment stating its sincere regret for comments made that were followed by a torrent of social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have changed his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that several of these communications constituted direct threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy originated with radio communications during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.

This incident proved crucial for the championship battle, as Norris's pass secured extra 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 implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We deeply 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, reports indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Toto Wolff after being shown video evidence of the incident.

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

Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the actual incident when he made the comment. The team noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

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

"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points."

Main Takeaways from the Situation

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
• Video replays show Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.