Red Bull Voices Regret Over Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement expressing its deep remorse for post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. His team confirmed that several of these communications included threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy originated with team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved crucial for the championship battle, as the overtake earned him extra points. This increased the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Observations voiced implying that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's statement did not include a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the incident.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for second place in the team standings... How brainless 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 actual incident when he made the comment. The team reported a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to close on the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to go off track and lose the position.

"It was 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."

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
• The controversial remark involved an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
• Video replays show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has apologised to Mercedes management.