Red Bull Apologizes for Misinterpretation Amid Death Threats Against Rookie Driver Kimi Antonelli
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Red Bull Formula One team has issued a heartfelt apology after their comments sparked a wave of online abuse against 19-year-old rookie driver Kimi Antonelli. Following a tense moment in the Qatar Grand Prix, Red Bull's Max Verstappen was leading, leaving Lando Norris of McLaren stuck behind Antonelli's Mercedes. As Antonelli lost control on the penultimate lap, Norris seized the opportunity to pass and claim fourth place. In a radio message, Red Bull's Gianpiero 'GP' Lambiase described Antonelli as 'pulling over and letting Norris through.' However, a review of the footage revealed that Antonelli momentarily lost control of his car, allowing Norris to pass. Red Bull has since acknowledged this and expressed regret over the subsequent online abuse Antonelli faced, including death threats. Mercedes reported a significant increase in abusive comments on their social media accounts, with 330 flagged as severe or suspect. The team's principal, Toto Wolff, has spoken to Lambiase, who was emotional and unaware of the situation. The incident has highlighted the intense pressure and scrutiny in Formula One racing. As the season draws to a close, Norris is 12 points ahead of Verstappen, and a win for Verstappen in the final Abu Dhabi race could see Norris finish third and claim the title, depending on the outcome. Meanwhile, Mercedes is fighting for second place in the constructors' championship, and Antonelli aims to secure a potential third-place finish in the race.
