đź”— Share this article Red Bull Voices Regret Over Comments Linked to Death Threats Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli Max Verstappen's win in Qatar sets up a dramatic season finale. The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team confirmed that several of these communications included direct threats against the driver's life. The controversy stems from radio communications during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris through. 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 a dozen points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi. In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Observations 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 allowing Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving such abuse." The team's announcement did not include a formal apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment. "This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for second place in the constructors' championship... 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. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli secured a P5 finish at the demanding Qatar Grand Prix. For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a simple mistake. He said he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and surrender fourth place. "It proved 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." Main Takeaways from the Situation Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments. The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that affected the championship standings. Video replays confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of team orders. The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
Max Verstappen's win in Qatar sets up a dramatic season finale. The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team confirmed that several of these communications included direct threats against the driver's life. The controversy stems from radio communications during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris through. 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 a dozen points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi. In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Observations 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 allowing Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving such abuse." The team's announcement did not include a formal apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment. "This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for second place in the constructors' championship... 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. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli secured a P5 finish at the demanding Qatar Grand Prix. For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a simple mistake. He said he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and surrender fourth place. "It proved 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." Main Takeaways from the Situation Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments. The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that affected the championship standings. Video replays confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of team orders. The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.