The Red Bull team Voices Regret Regarding Comments Following Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment stating its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by a torrent of social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have switched his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these messages included direct threats against the youngster's life.

The situation 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 "deliberately moved aside" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.

This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake secured extra points. This extended the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made implying that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Video evidence shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving such abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Toto Wolff after being shown footage of the on-track moment.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind 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 cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he spoke over the radio. The team reported a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a simple mistake. He said he was driving aggressively to close on the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and surrender fourth place.

"It proved really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret 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 disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of team orders.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.