Mercedes Reacts to Red Bull Comment Amid Kimi Antonelli Online Abuse

Mercedes deputy technical director Simone Resta backs Red Bull’s defence of Kimi Antonelli after online abuse following the Qatar Grand Prix, ahead of Abu Dhabi’s finale.

The 19-year-old Ferrari junior made a late error, allowing Lando Norris past for fourth place and reshaping the points picture.

Norris gained two extra points, significant as Max Verstappen enters Abu Dhabi 12 points adrift in the Drivers’ Championship.

Comments from Gianpiero Lambiase and Helmut Marko initially implied Antonelli might have yielded deliberately. Red Bull later clarified the pass followed a genuine mistake.

The team expressed regret that those remarks triggered hateful messages targeting the teenager.

Resta says the abuse is disappointing and confirms Mercedes supports Red Bull’s statement to reduce the hostility.

He adds Mercedes’ communications group is developing safer tools and moderated environments for fan interaction.

The immediate focus remains on working with Antonelli and his engineers to deliver a clean weekend in Abu Dhabi.

Mercedes targets second in the Constructors’ standings, holding 459 points, behind McLaren’s leading 800, with Red Bull third on 426.

The Yas Marina finale on December 7 shapes the championship story. Verstappen still pursues the title, while McLaren maintains control after Qatar.

Antonelli’s composure under pressure remains a development priority as Mercedes balances support with competitive objectives.

The episode underscores motorsport’s wider challenge: tackling online abuse without stifling debate, and protecting young drivers as scrutiny intensifies.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.