The Mercedes boss claims the driver simply lost control of the car, and says the misunderstanding with Lambiasi has already been cleared up.
The controversy involving Kimi Antonelli gained momentum on social media after the race, with fans pointing out that the Mercedes driver “made it easier” to pass Lando Norris, allowing the Briton to finish fourth. The discussion increased when Gianpiero Lambiasi, Max Verstappen’s engineer, commented on the episode on Red Bull Radio.
After the fallout, Toto Wolff tried to close the matter. The Mercedes boss explained that Antonelli did not intentionally give up his position, but simply lost control of the car while accelerating, which opened up space for Norris to complete the maneuver. According to Wolf, any different interpretation is the result of an incomplete reading of the situation.
Wolff said: “As for Gianpiero Lambiasi’s comments, in the end I saw him and spoke to him. He did not see the moment when Kimi lost control when he accelerated. We lost valuable points for the World Constructors’ Championship, so I was angry with him (GP), but we explained everything between us. There is no problem.”
Mercedes thus confirms that there was no favouritism, but merely a traction error by a young driver amid a heated dispute. The team also highlighted that it is focused on the World Constructors’ Championship battle – which is why any suggestion of a deliberate maneuver would be “inconsistent” with its own interests.