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Kimi Antonelli made a small error in the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix that ended up costing him fourth place.
It also allowed Lando Norris to pick up two more points in the hunt for the drivers’ championship, keeping his lead over Max Verstappen at 12 points.
After the race, Helmut Marko insisted that Antonelli’s correction and mistake had been ‘obvious’ and indicated that it had been on purpose.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff didn’t take too kindly to the accusations and responded to the ‘brainless’ comments immediately after the Qatar Grand Prix had ended.
Toto Wolff blasts ‘brainless’ Helmut Marko after his Kimi Antonelli accusation. Who do you think is in the right? Comment below
Red Bull want Mercedes to do well in Abu Dhabi in a bid to boost their chances of winning the title, but it isn’t one of their stronger tracks.
Verstappen has eliminated his only ‘weakness’, but it’s still a far stretch to expect him to win a fifth consecutive title. He’s going to need luck and some help.
F1 fans tell Red Bull that Helmut Marko shouldn’t be allowed near a microphone again after ‘regret’ statement
Even though Red Bull have released a statement addressing the comments made in Qatar, which contributed to a torrent of abuse received by Mercedes’ 19-year-old driver, it doesn’t feel like an apology.
Speaking on X, they shared their ‘regret’ and were disappointed that Antonelli had received abuse on social media.
Underneath the post, fans were not happy with their approach and urged them not to let 82-year-old advisor Marko near a microphone again.
“And what are the consequences to GP and Helmut Marko since they’re the ones who fueled the hate?” commented one fan.
“Anyone who couldn’t tell GP said that in the heat of the moment have clearly never competed for anything in their lives,” added another, in Red Bull’s defence.
Who is your pick for the 2025 champion after the Qatar Grand Prix?
“I’m a Max fan myself, but this was embarrassing. Please don’t let Helmut near the mic again, oh my god,” said someone with a contrasting view.
That sentiment was shared by many, with another person adding, “Lowkey, someone needs to tell Helmut that sometimes silence is the better strategy. Like, bro, if talking only makes it worse, maybe just don’t.”
Another individual added that the statement was ‘much-needed’: “Much-needed rectification. Instead of hating on Kimi for letting Lando pass (which he obviously did not do on purpose).
“We should be thanking him for holding up Lando for so long. Max has received a lot of hate too in the past, he wouldn’t wish this on anyone, especially a friend.”
For the first time since 2010, three drivers go into the final race of the season in contention to win the championship
Another fan commented: “I get the tensions are high during races, and in the moment, you don’t have all the information, but that is exactly why you need to be more careful with what you say. Kimi is a teenager. This blanket apology is not enough. Marko and GP need to speak up and genuinely apologise.”
And finally, someone else was confused about how the ‘absurd’ comments surfaced in the first place: “But why are there so many absurd comments in the first place?
“Helmut and GP are high-ranking executives at Red Bull. Suggesting that Mercedes is trying to manipulate the World Championship is really a low blow. You need to be careful about what you say.”
Mercedes accepted Red Bull’s post on X and added: “Abuse is never acceptable. Appreciate you setting the record straight. See you on track in Abu Dhabi.”
READ MORE: Kimi Antonelli ‘massively impressed’ during private Mercedes F1 debrief despite Qatar GP fury
What does Max Verstappen need to do at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to win the F1 title?
Coincidentally, Verstappen may have to lean on Antonelli next weekend in Abu Dhabi as well, if he wants to win the title.
Even if he wins the race, he needs Norris to finish down in at least fourth place. That means two cars must be between him and the Briton.
One of those isn’t likely to be Oscar Piastri, given that he would move over for his teammate if he had nothing to fight for late on.
That means the two Mercedes drivers, and maybe a Ferrari if they can get their act together, remain the Dutchman’s only hope.
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