Red Bull Voices Regret Regarding Comments Linked to Online Abuse Against Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these messages constituted threats against the youngster's life.
The controversy originated with radio communications during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris through.
This occurrence proved significant for the title fight, as Norris's pass earned him extra points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made implying that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."
The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence 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 P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the actual incident when he made the comment. Mercedes noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He commented he was driving aggressively to close on the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to go off track and lose the position.
"It proved really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Main Takeaways from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
- The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
- Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.
