Kimi Antonelli replaced his Instagram profile picture with a black square following the GP of Qatar. The young Italian became the target of online hate and threats after the race. This was all due to the controversial final rounds: World Championship leader Lando Norris overtook him in the last phase, thereby limiting the damage in the championship. Some social media users suspected foul play and vented their anger on the 19-year-old rookie.
The change of his profile picture seems to be a direct response to the flood of hate comments and threats Antonelli received following the GP of Qatar. Because he was unable to keep Norris behind him, race winner Max Verstappen was less able to close the gap on the World Championship leader. The difference between the two is 12 World Championship points leading up to the season finale in Abu Dhabi. If Norris had finished behind Antonelli, he would have had a lead of only 10 points.
Mercedes Engine Must Win?
According to Mercedes, Antonelli simply made a mistake, which is why he had to let Norris go. Some experts, including Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko, see it differently. “He just let Norris pass, it was obvious,” the Austrian declared to several media outlets. According to this theory, the Silberpfeile would benefit from Norris becoming champion, as he drives with a Mercedes engine.
Many social media users share this line of thought and targeted Antonelli. The young Italian was inundated with threats and online hate after the GP of Qatar. “He ruined the championship,” read one of the milder messages. At the same time, there were also many expressions of support from fans who wanted to boost Antonelli’s morale. Team boss Toto Wolff also immediately jumped to his defense; he lashed out at Helmut Marko in an interview with Bild. Mercedes also wants to take action and has shared some of the threats with the FIA.
