🔗 Share this article Red Bull Expresses Remorse Over Comments Linked to Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli Max Verstappen's victory in Qatar sets up a dramatic season finale. The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for comments made that were followed by widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli reportedly switched his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team stated that several of these communications included threats against the youngster's life. The controversy originated with radio communications during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass. This occurrence proved crucial for the championship battle, as the overtake secured extra points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi. In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments voiced implying that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse." The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the on-track moment. "This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?" Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the actual incident when he made the comment. Mercedes reported a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the race. Kimi Antonelli finished fifth at the demanding Qatar Grand Prix. For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was pushing hard to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that caused him to go off track and lose the position. "It was really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points." Key Points from the Incident Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the wake of those comments. The controversial remark centered on an overtaking move that affected the championship standings. Video replays show Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action. The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
Max Verstappen's victory in Qatar sets up a dramatic season finale. The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for comments made that were followed by widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli reportedly switched his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team stated that several of these communications included threats against the youngster's life. The controversy originated with radio communications during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass. This occurrence proved crucial for the championship battle, as the overtake secured extra points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi. In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments voiced implying that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse." The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the on-track moment. "This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?" Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the actual incident when he made the comment. Mercedes reported a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the race. Kimi Antonelli finished fifth at the demanding Qatar Grand Prix. For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was pushing hard to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that caused him to go off track and lose the position. "It was really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points." Key Points from the Incident Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the wake of those comments. The controversial remark centered on an overtaking move that affected the championship standings. Video replays show Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action. The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.