The Red Bull team Voices Regret Regarding Remarks Linked to Death Threats Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for comments made that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly switched 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 messages included threats against the youngster's life.

The situation stems from team radio during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.

This occurrence proved significant for the championship battle, as the overtake earned him two additional points. This extended the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's statement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the on-track moment.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes noted a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He commented he was pushing hard to close on Carlos Sainz and had a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and lose the position.

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

Main Takeaways from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
• Video evidence show Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.