The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Over Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that several of these messages constituted threats against the driver's life.

The controversy stems from radio communications during the closing stages of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris through.

This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake secured two additional points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Replay footage shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving such abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the incident.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

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

"It was really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Key Points from the Situation

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
• The controversial remark centered on an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
• Video replays show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.