Kimi Antonelli: F1 drivers condemn abuse in direction of Mercedes driver with Oliver Bearman main criticism towards ‘unhappy folks’

Britain’s Oliver Bearman has led criticism towards on-line abuse after Kimi Antonelli was threatened on social media following the Qatar Grand Prix.

Mercedes flagged over 1100 “severe or suspect comments” throughout Antonelli’s social media accounts, which included loss of life threats, as some followers have been sad title-chasing Lando Norris overtook the Mercedes driver within the closing phases of Sunday’s race.

Max Verstappen’s engineer Gianpiero Lambiase and Pink Bull advisor Helmut Marko initially mentioned Antonelli had let Norris by, earlier than apologising to Antonelli and Mercedes for his or her feedback.

Pink Bull posted a press release on Monday which mentioned feedback made have been “clearly incorrect” and that they “sincerely regret” the abuse Antonelli obtained.

Haas driver Bearman, who’s on the finish of his rookie marketing campaign like Antonelli, mentioned: “I did not face that degree of criticism, however that comes as a part of being in a staff like Haas somewhat than Mercedes. There’s additionally a good thing about beginning your profession in a staff like Haas. You are a bit much less within the limelight. You’ve the chance to make errors and be much less criticised for these.

“Typically it is all the time the case that folks behind the display are horrible and the scum of the earth, actually. I do not suppose they need to be doing that sort of stuff to somebody.

“I understand that people who’ve been in F1 for a very long time get used to it and people who are rookies, it may be their first experience having that type of criticism, but that criticism is an absolute joke. It shouldn’t be tolerated.”

System 1’s governing physique, the FIA, began a marketing campaign earlier in 2023 – United Towards On-line Abuse – and mentioned it “absolutely remains critical that everyone operating within our sport can do so in a safe and respectful environment”, including their assist for Antonelli.

Bearman continued: “I know the FIA are doing everything they can to stop that, but the problem is these sad people giving those types of criticisms.

“It is a joke. We’re placing our lives on the road to entertain folks and provides the people who find themselves passionate for the game an excellent time.

“But, you have people like that who are just hurting people. That’s not just racing, that’s also their personal life. I just think people are terrible. The real people of the world are terrible.”

Mercedes’ George Russell and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc said the abuse is “unacceptable” whereas Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar known as them “idiots”.

“It all started with a mistake from the Red Bull guys, and of course, they apologised, and that’s okay,” mentioned Russell, who’s the pinnacle of the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Affiliation).

“People make a mistake, especially when you don’t have the full facts. But I think those thousands of people behind their keyboards have no excuse and really need to take a hard look at themselves in the mirror and think why that is acceptable – not just for F1, but just society altogether. I just struggle to comprehend it, really.”

Leclerc added: “Those people face no consequence for their words and for their disrespect towards drivers. So, it’s not up to us to think about the consequences that they should endure, but it’s a big shame because we’re all here trying to do our absolute best.

“We have completed racing since we have been youngsters, dreaming of being in that place, and immediately we’re doing completely all the things with a purpose to be on the restrict. And generally errors occur. In that specific case, additionally, the hate was for completely nothing.”

Antonelli: Verstappen, Norris among drivers to message me

Antonelli, 19, is in his rookie F1 season and just two points behind Lewis Hamilton in the battle for sixth in the Drivers’ Championship.

The Italian revealed Verstappen and Norris were among the drivers to message him, plus Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies and Lambiase himself spoke to him prior to this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

He said Verstappen called the online abusers “brainless” and some of the threats were “tough to see”.

“A lot of insults, even some death threats. At the end of the day, it was very tough, because I was being accused for something I would never do. I would never do anything that could favour someone over the other,” Antonelli added.

“I would never do something to damage Max or Lando or Oscar. I’m racing for myself and to achieve the best result possible. To be accused of that hurt but at the end of the day, I got a lot of support from people I trust, and drivers, which was nice because it helped forget what happened.

“On the finish of the day, we’re athletes, we attempt to do our greatest. We’re driving for ourselves, our careers. This sport is an unbelievable sport and it is dangerous to see this stuff occur but it surely wants to enhance. It will possibly occur to different athletes.”

Sky Sports activities F1’s stay Abu Dhabi GP schedule

Friday December 5
7am: F2 Apply
9am: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Apply One (session begins at 9.30am)*
10.55am: F2 Qualifying*
11.40am: Workforce Bosses’ Press Convention*
12.45pm: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Apply Two (session begins at 1pm)*
2.15pm: The F1 Present*

Saturday December 6
10.15am: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Apply Three (session begins at 11:30am)*
12.10pm: F2 Dash*
1.15pm: Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying build-up*
2pm: ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
4pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book*

Sunday December 7
9.10am: F2 Characteristic Race
11am: Grand Prix Sunday: Abu Dhabi GP build-up*
1pm: THE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX*
3pm: Chequered Flag: Abu Dhabi GP response*
4pm: Ted’s Pocket book

*additionally on Sky Sports activities Most important Occasion

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