Kimi Antonelli Faces Online Abuse, Red Bull Finalizes 2026 Driver Line-up
Kimi Antonelli has faced severe online abuse, with Mercedes reporting 'death threats' to the FIA after his Qatar Grand Prix mistake. Simultaneously, Red Bull is finalizing its 2026 F1 driver lineup, reportedly promoting Isack Hadjar to partner Max Verstappen, signaling a major strategic shift. These events highlight critical issues of online safety and long-term team planning within Formula 1.
Kimi Antonelli has been subjected to severe online abuse, leading Mercedes to report the comments to the FIA. This comes after an incident in the Qatar Grand Prix where Antonelli made a mistake, allowing Lando Norris to take fourth place. Meanwhile, Red Bull is set to announce its 2026 driver lineup, with Isack Hadjar reportedly being promoted to partner Max Verstappen, and Racing Bulls also adjusting its roster.
Why it matters:
- The escalating online abuse against drivers like Kimi Antonelli highlights a growing concern within F1 regarding mental well-being and the need for stronger community standards. Teams like Mercedes and Red Bull are taking action, underscoring the severity of the issue.
- Red Bull's impending 2026 driver announcements signal a significant shift in their long-term strategy, potentially bringing new talent into the senior team and reshaping the competitive landscape for future seasons.
The Details:
- Antonelli's Abuse: Kimi Antonelli received death threats and extreme online abuse following a mistake on the penultimate lap of the Qatar Grand Prix, which allowed Lando Norris to secure fourth place.
- FIA Involvement: Mercedes F1 team plans to present social media comments and messages, including 'death threats', directed at Antonelli to the FIA.
- Marko's Apology: Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko initially misattributed Antonelli's error, stating Antonelli let Norris pass, but later apologized, acknowledging the mistake was genuine.
- Red Bull's Condemnation: Red Bull Racing also released a statement condemning the abuse directed towards Antonelli, emphasizing the need for respect and sportsmanship.
- Red Bull's 2026 Line-up: RacingNews365 understands that Red Bull has finalized its 2026 F1 driver line-up.
- Max Verstappen's New Teammate: Isack Hadjar is reportedly set to be promoted to Red Bull Racing to partner Max Verstappen for the 2026 season, following his strong rookie performance.
- Racing Bulls' Changes: The Red Bull sister team, Racing Bulls, is also expected to feature a revised F1 line-up for 2026, with another rookie potentially joining the squad.
- Hamilton's Reaction: Lewis Hamilton was notably unaware of the Qatar Grand Prix results, expressing surprise that Max Verstappen won and was only 12 points behind Lando Norris in the drivers' championship.
The Big Picture:
The F1 community is grappling with the dual challenges of online toxicity and strategic planning for future seasons. The swift action by teams to address driver abuse reflects a growing commitment to protecting their athletes. Simultaneously, Red Bull's proactive driver selections for 2026 indicate a clear vision for maintaining their competitive edge, setting the stage for future rivalries and team dynamics.
What's next:
- The FIA is expected to review the evidence provided by Mercedes regarding the online abuse against Kimi Antonelli, potentially leading to new measures or stronger enforcement of online conduct guidelines.
- Red Bull's official announcement of its 2026 driver line-up for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls is anticipated soon, which will clarify the future composition of their F1 programs.