Summary
Red Bull expressed regret for comments made during the Qatar Grand Prix that resulted in Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli receiving online death threats. The controversy arose after Red Bull suggested Antonelli intentionally allowed another driver to pass. Red Bull later stated that their accusation was incorrect, and a team representative apologized for the misunderstanding.
Key Facts
- Red Bull's comments led to Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli getting death threats on social media.
- The incident happened after Antonelli lost fourth place to Lando Norris during the Qatar Grand Prix.
- Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the team radio that Antonelli let Norris through intentionally.
- Red Bull later clarified that Antonelli lost control briefly, allowing Norris to pass.
- Red Bull regretted making comments that led to online abuse but did not formally apologize.
- A Mercedes spokesperson stated that the comments increased online abuse towards Antonelli significantly.
- The incident was clarified with Antonelli's race video, leading to an apology from Verstappen's race engineer to Mercedes.
