Red Bull Apologizes to Kimi Antonelli After Controversial Comments
Red Bull has issued an apology to Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli after making an inappropriate remark during the Qatar Grand Prix on November 30. The incident occurred when Max Verstappen’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, jokingly suggested that Antonelli had let Lando Norris pass him. This move enabled Norris to gain two crucial points in the race, which took place on the penultimate lap.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport consultant, reinforced this claim by stating to reporters that it appeared Antonelli had purposely allowed Norris to overtake him for fourth place. However, race commentators suggested that the engineer’s comment was likely an innocent mistake, as Antonelli had merely gone wide on a turn during the race.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff swiftly rebuffed Marko’s remarks, terming them “total, utter nonsense” and denying any suggestions that Antonelli had deliberately slowed down. On Monday, as online harassment surfaced directed at the young driver, Red Bull worked to manage the fallout.
In an official statement, Red Bull clarified their position: “Comments made during and immediately after the Qatar GP suggesting that Kimi Antonelli allowed Lando Norris to pass are incorrect.” They noted that replay footage showed Antonelli losing control of his car, which led to Norris’s successful overtaking. The statement wrapped up by expressing regret over the online abuse directed at Antonelli.
The overtaking incident allowed Norris, who drives a car powered by a Mercedes engine, to enter the upcoming Abu Dhabi race with a 12-point advantage over Verstappen instead of just 10.
Afterward, Antonelli explained that the mistake was due to the turbulent air from following Carlos Sainz, also in a Mercedes-powered vehicle. He admitted to nearly crashing: “I was trying hard to keep ahead of Norris and just pushed a bit too much, causing a big twitch through turn nine.”
F1 Championship Nears Exciting Conclusion
The 2025 Formula One Championship is set for an exhilarating finale, with three drivers still in the hunt for the title as they prepare for the last race in Abu Dhabi on December 7. Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri are all contenders, each having a viable chance to claim the world champion title at the Yas Marina Circuit.
