Red Bull release statement after Kimi Antonelli issued death threats

Red Bull has released a statement condemning the abuse directed towards Kimi Antonelli after the Qatar Grand Prix.

Antonelli was subject to abhorrent comments on social media after a mistake on the penultimate lap allowed Lando Norris through for fourth position.

It gave an additional two points to Norris in the championship fight after appearing set to concede 15 points to race winner Max Verstappen.

However, Norris now has a 12-point buffer over the Dutchman ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

RacingNews365 understands that over 1,100 severe or suspect comments were flagged by Mercedes' community management tools on Antonelli's accounts.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko suggested after the race that Antonelli had let Norris through purposely - a scenario that has been rubbished in a team statement.

“Comments made before the end of and immediately after the Qatar GP suggesting that Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake him are clearly incorrect,” a Red Bull statement said.

“Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to pass him. 

“We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse.”

Mercedes' Toto Wolff also criticised Marko's words, labelling them as “brainless”.

The Brackley-based squad will present the unpleasant comments to the FIA.

Mercedes responded to Red Bull's message with words of its own, stating: “Abuse is never acceptable. Appreciate you setting the record straight. See you on track in Abu Dhabi.”