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

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for comments made that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have switched his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these communications constituted direct threats against the driver's life.

The situation stems from team radio during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. 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 Norris's pass secured extra points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli momentarily 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 stopped short of a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the team standings... How foolish 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 actual incident when he spoke over the radio. The team noted a "massive surge" 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 go off track and lose the position.

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

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks 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 made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.