Red Bull has issued an apology after their race engineer wrongly claimed that Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli deliberately allowed Lando Norris to pass during the Qatar Grand Prix. The incorrect statement led to significant backlash, including death threats directed at Antonelli.
During the Qatar Grand Prix, an error by Red Bull’s team caused them to accuse Antonelli of unsportsmanlike conduct without sufficient evidence. This accusation was unfounded and has since been retracted by Red Bull, clarifying that there was no intentional wrongdoing by the Mercedes driver.
"We sincerely apologise for the incorrect remark made about Kimi Antonelli, which was based on incomplete information," a Red Bull spokesperson said.
The false claim resulted in a wave of online hostility towards Antonelli, including death threats, which the team and wider Formula 1 community have condemned. Red Bull’s apology highlights the importance of responsible communication by teams and officials to protect drivers from undue harm.
Red Bull's prompt apology underscores how quickly misinformation can escalate tensions in competitive sports and the need for careful verification before public statements.