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Red Bull Apologizes After Controversy Over Kimi Antonelli

Posted : 02 December 2025

The Red Bull Formula One team has expressed regret after comments suggested that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately let McLaren’s Lando Norris pass for fourth place in Qatar. The remarks came after Norris, stuck behind Antonelli’s Mercedes for most of the race, overtook the young driver when he ran wide on a corner during the penultimate lap, securing two extra points.

During the race, Red Bull race engineer Gianpiero ‘GP’ Lambiase was heard over the radio telling Max Verstappen, “Not sure what happened to Antonelli Max, looks like he just pulled over and let Norris through,” a message broadcast on live television. Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko later stated that Antonelli “waved” Norris past, which sparked widespread online abuse. Antonelli’s Instagram profile was blacked out, and Mercedes reported a significant surge in attacks, including death threats, across social media platforms.

McLaren, which uses Mercedes engines, benefited from the overtake as Norris moved closer to the championship. In response, Red Bull issued a statement clarifying that “replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to pass him.” The team expressed sincere regret that Antonelli faced online harassment following the incident.

Mercedes confirmed that Lambiase had personally apologized to team principal Toto Wolff. Wolff explained, “I spoke to GP. He was emotional at that moment and said he didn’t see the situation.” The situation underscores the intensity of the title fight, with Norris heading into the Abu Dhabi finale 12 points ahead of Verstappen. Without the extra points, Norris would have needed to finish second to secure the championship, highlighting how minor race incidents can have significant implications.

Wolff criticized the unfounded allegations, stating, “We are fighting for second in the constructors' championship, which is important for us. Kimi is fighting for a potential third in the race. How brainless can you be to even say something like this? Why would we interfere in a driver championship?”

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