Red Bull Voices Regret Regarding Remarks Linked to Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these communications constituted direct threats against the driver's life.

The situation originated with radio communications during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This increased the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's announcement stopped short of a formal apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing 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 P2 in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the actual incident when he made the comment. Mercedes noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and surrender fourth place.

"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 additional points."

Key Points from the Situation

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
• Video replays confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes management.