The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Over Remarks Following Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment stating its sincere regret 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 reaction to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these messages constituted threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy stems from team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow rival driver Lando Norris to pass.

This occurrence proved significant for the title fight, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This extended the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's announcement stopped short of a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Toto Wolff after being shown video evidence of the on-track moment.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the moment when he spoke over the radio. The team reported a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to close on Carlos Sainz and had a "big snap" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place.

"It was really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been additional points."

Key Points from the Situation

• Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
• The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
• Video replays show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.