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Verstappen Backs Antonelli After Abuse, Urges Action on Social Media

The rookie faced death threats following a misinterpreted Qatar incident that Red Bull figures retracted once full replays aired.

Overview

  • Antonelli said Verstappen contacted him immediately with support and later called for tighter rules on anonymous social media accounts.
  • Mercedes reported an 1100% surge in hateful messages, with Antonelli describing death threats and blacking out his profiles.
  • The 19-year-old explained his late error in Qatar came from tyre drop-off while chasing Carlos Sainz for the podium, which let Lando Norris take fourth.
  • After reviewing full footage, Red Bull issued a correction as Gianpiero Lambiase apologised directly and Helmut Marko withdrew earlier suspicions.
  • The International Motoring Federation and multiple drivers, including George Russell and Oliver Bearman, condemned the abuse as unacceptable.