Overview
- Lando Norris’ late pass on Kimi Antonelli in Qatar for fourth place intensified the title fight and preceded allegations from Red Bull figures that the rookie yielded.
- Helmut Marko and Gianpiero Lambiase publicly insinuated Antonelli let Norris through, which was followed by a surge of insults and threats against the Mercedes driver online.
- Red Bull later issued a statement apologizing for the accusations, and Antonelli told media in Abu Dhabi that he would never help a rival deliberately.
- Antonelli said the abuse was difficult, closed comments and removed his profile photo on social media, and noted he spoke with Max Verstappen and that Lambiase approached him to clear the air.
- Franco Colapinto condemned the attacks and called for penalties or rule reviews for statements that generate hate, highlighting that drivers are fined for profanity while non-drivers often face no formal consequences.