Red Bull Voices Remorse Regarding Comments Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for comments made that were followed by widespread social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these communications included direct threats against the driver's life.
The situation originated with team radio during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.
This occurrence proved crucial for the championship battle, as the overtake secured two additional points. This increased the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Comments voiced implying that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli briefly 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 direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing footage of the on-track moment.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he did not witness the moment when he spoke over the radio. The team reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race.
For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that led him to run wide and surrender fourth place.
"It was really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been additional points."
Main Takeaways from the Situation
- Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a team member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
- The disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that affected the title battle.
- Video evidence confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of team orders.
- The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.
