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

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these communications included direct threats against the youngster's life.

The situation originated with radio communications during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved crucial for the championship battle, as the overtake secured two additional points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Comments voiced suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Replay footage shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after being shown footage of the incident.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"

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

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to catch Carlos Sainz and had a "big snap" that led him to go off track and lose the position.

"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Main Takeaways 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 lost control, contradicting the implication of team orders.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.