Kimi Antonelli Faces Online Abuse After False Claims He Let Norris Pass in Qatar

Rising Formula 1 star Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse following the Qatar Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver was falsely accused of deliberately letting McLaren’s Lando Norris pass him in the closing laps. The controversy stemmed from incorrect statements made by rival team personnel during the high-stakes race.

Mercedes reported the 18-year-old rookie received over 1,100 abusive messages. This included death threats and wishes of harm. The team strongly condemned the attacks on their young driver.

How the Qatar GP Controversy Unfolded

The incident occurred in the final stages of the race at Lusail International Circuit. Antonelli, on older tires, was defending fiercely against a charging Lando Norris. Norris needed the points for his championship fight with Max Verstappen.

With just two laps remaining, Antonelli made a small error. He ran wide at a corner, which allowed Norris to seize fourth place. The pass gave Norris crucial extra points in the title battle.

In the heat of the moment, Red Bull’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over team radio that Antonelli had “pulled over.” Later, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko told media the move looked “so obvious.” These comments, made without full visibility, ignited the fire.

Red Bull Apologizes and Admits Mistake

Facing backlash, Red Bull issued a formal public apology days later. The team stated comments suggesting Antonelli deliberately allowed Norris past were “clearly incorrect.” They acknowledged broadcast replays clearly showed Antonelli lost control of his car.

According to their statement, Red Bull sincerely regretted that their remarks led to Antonelli receiving online abuse. Major outlets like Reuters and the BBC reported on the unusual public apology from the championship-winning team.

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff had earlier called the allegations “brainless.” He emphasized his team was fighting for its own position in the Constructors’ Championship. Wolff said Antonelli was also battling for a potential podium finish himself.

The Real-World Impact on a Young Driver

The episode highlights the dangerous speed at which narratives spread in modern F1. A speculative comment made in the heat of competition can spiral rapidly on social media. For a young driver like Antonelli, the psychological impact is significant.

Mercedes stated they were providing full support to Antonelli. The team emphasized that protecting their drivers from unfounded abuse is a priority. This incident is part of a wider conversation in sports about athlete mental health and online harassment.

The fallout also affected championship calculations. Norris’s gain meant he only needed a third-place finish in the final race to win the title, instead of second. This added extra pressure to the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The Antonelli case is a stark reminder of the human cost behind the sporting spectacle. It underscores the critical need for accuracy and responsibility in team communications, especially when a young driver’s well-being is on the line.

Info at your fingertips

What did Red Bull apologize for?

Red Bull apologized for comments made by their personnel suggesting Kimi Antonelli deliberately let Lando Norris pass. They admitted these claims were incorrect and regretted the online abuse Antonelli suffered as a result.

Did Antonelli actually let Norris pass on purpose?

No. Broadcast footage and data confirmed Antonelli made a genuine driving error, running wide at a corner. This allowed Norris to pass, but it was not a deliberate action.

How did the incident affect the championship?

Norris gaining fourth place instead of fifth gave him two extra points. This changed the title scenario, meaning he only needed a P3 finish in the final race to win the championship outright.

What has been Mercedes’ response?

Mercedes strongly defended Antonelli and condemned the online abuse. Team boss Toto Wolff called the initial allegations “brainless” and confirmed the team is supporting their rookie driver.

Is online abuse a common problem for F1 drivers?

Yes, drivers frequently report receiving abusive messages, especially after contentious race incidents. This case has amplified calls for greater action from teams and social media platforms to protect athletes.

What happens next for Antonelli?

Antonelli will continue his rookie season with Mercedes. The team expects him to focus on his development, with the full support of the organization behind him as he moves past this incident.