Helmut Marko Issues Apology Following Online Abuse of Kimi Antonelli

Background

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has offered an apology after a surge of online abuse directed at Mercedes junior driver Kimi Antonelli. The situation arose following the Qatar Grand Prix, where Marko initially claimed Antonelli failed to let Lando Norris through for position.

Marko’s Clarification

Marko later retracted those comments, admitting that his initial understanding of the event had been mistaken. He acknowledged that Antonelli had no obligation to yield and that his statement had unintentionally provoked a wave of criticism and personal attacks against the Italian teenager.

“I made a comment based on incomplete information. I want to clarify that Antonelli handled the situation appropriately on track and deserves no blame,” said Marko.

Reaction and Responsibility

The online backlash against Antonelli intensified quickly, prompting calls for accountability. Marko emphasized that his words were never meant to target Antonelli personally and expressed regret for the consequences of his earlier statement.

Mercedes and other figures within the Formula 1 community voiced support for Antonelli, condemning the abusive messages and urging for greater responsibility in public commentary.

“No young driver should face personal abuse for racing incidents,” a Mercedes spokesperson commented.

Broader Context

This episode highlights ongoing concerns about the role of public figures in shaping fan behavior and the damaging impact of social media hostility on young athletes in motorsport.

Author’s summary: Helmut Marko apologized for remarks that led to online abuse of Kimi Antonelli, recognizing the need for responsibility and respect amid social media scrutiny in Formula 1.

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RacingNews365 RacingNews365 — 2025-12-01

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