🔗 Share this article Red Bull Expresses Regret Over Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli Max Verstappen's win in Qatar sets up a dramatic championship decider. The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for comments made that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli reportedly switched his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these communications included threats against the youngster's life. The controversy stems from radio communications during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris to pass. This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi. In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse." The team's announcement stopped short of a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Mercedes team principal after being shown video evidence of the incident. "This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place 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 had not seen the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race. Kimi Antonelli finished fifth at the challenging Qatar Grand Prix. For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to close on the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place. "It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points." Main Takeaways from the Incident Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the aftermath of those comments. The disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that impacted the title battle. Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of team orders. The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.
Max Verstappen's win in Qatar sets up a dramatic championship decider. The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for comments made that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli reportedly switched his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these communications included threats against the youngster's life. The controversy stems from radio communications during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris to pass. This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi. In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse." The team's announcement stopped short of a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Mercedes team principal after being shown video evidence of the incident. "This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place 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 had not seen the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race. Kimi Antonelli finished fifth at the challenging Qatar Grand Prix. For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to close on the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place. "It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points." Main Takeaways from the Incident Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the aftermath of those comments. The disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that impacted the title battle. Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of team orders. The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.