The Red Bull team Voices Remorse Regarding Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment stating its sincere regret for comments made that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver 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. Mercedes confirmed that several of these messages included 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 suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.
This occurrence proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass secured extra points. This extended the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Observations made implying that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to online abuse."
The team's announcement stopped short of a formal apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Toto Wolff after being shown footage of the incident.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes noted a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the race.
For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that caused him to go off track and lose the position.
"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."
Main Takeaways from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
- The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
- Video replays confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of deliberate action.
- The engineer involved has apologised to Mercedes management.
