The Red Bull team Voices Remorse Regarding Comments Following Death Threats Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for post-race remarks that preceded widespread online abuse, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed 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 a number of these communications included threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy originated with team radio during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris through.

This incident proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake secured extra points. This increased the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced suggesting that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to 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 reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the moment when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He commented he was driving aggressively to catch the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that led him to run wide and surrender fourth place.

"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Main Takeaways from the Incident

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
• Video replays confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.