Red Bull Racing has issued an official statement addressing the wave of online abuse directed at 19-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli following the Qatar Grand Prix. The controversy arose after Antonelli was overtaken by Lando Norris during the penultimate lap of the race while defending fourth place. Initial comments from Red Bull engineers suggested that Antonelli had deliberately allowed Norris to pass, prompting widespread criticism and abusive messages directed at the young driver.
In their official statement, Red Bull clarified that the earlier suggestions were clearly incorrect. They noted that review of the replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, which allowed Norris to overtake him. The team expressed sincere regret that the misunderstanding led to Antonelli receiving online abuse and threats. While they stopped short of apologizing for the initial insinuations, Red Bull acknowledged the serious impact that their comments had on the rookie’s wellbeing.
The online harassment reportedly included over a thousand severe messages, including death threats, which forced Antonelli to adjust his social media presence and take steps to protect his mental health. The incident sparked reactions across the Formula One community, with FIA officials and team members emphasizing the importance of respectful discourse and caution when publicly speculating about on-track incidents.
This episode highlights the pressures faced by young athletes in high-profile sports and the power of social media to amplify speculation into harmful behavior. Red Bull’s clarification underscores the responsibility teams have in communicating accurately and carefully, and it serves as a reminder that words and assumptions can have real consequences. For Antonelli, what began as a racing incident became a social media crisis, prompting reflection on the broader impact of public commentary and online behavior in Formula One.