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Verstappen Backs Antonelli After Qatar Backlash as Red Bull Walks Back Accusations

Antonelli attributes the late mistake to tyre degradation, refocusing on the Abu Dhabi finale.

Overview

  • The 19-year-old’s penultimate-lap error let Lando Norris take fourth, leaving Norris 12 points ahead of Max Verstappen entering Abu Dhabi.
  • Live radio remarks from Gianpiero Lambiase and Helmut Marko suggested Antonelli yielded position, then were withdrawn after fuller footage and a Red Bull statement condemning abuse.
  • Mercedes reported a 1,100% surge in hateful messages and said Antonelli received death threats, prompting him to temporarily black out his social media profiles.
  • Antonelli says the slip came as overworked tyres gave up while he chased Carlos Sainz for third, rejecting claims he waved Norris through.
  • Verstappen contacted Antonelli with support and urged tighter regulation of anonymous social media accounts, as the FIA also issued a message denouncing the abuse.