The Italian driver made a small mistake into turn 9 while being closely shadowed by Lando Norris on the penultimate lap, opening the door for the British driver, who overtook him to take fourth place and gain two more crucial points that could prove decisive in the championship battle.

The situation was further fueled by Helmut Marko, who accused Antonelli of deliberately letting Norris through, which only intensified the backlash from social media users to the point that the FIA felt compelled to speak out publicly.

"Thanks to all the people who write to me to support Kimi, he knows that these people who write these things don't deserve to be considered and will be the first to ask for his autograph if they meet him," Marco Antonelli wrote via Instagram.

He then added: "It's not the first time this has happened and unfortunately it won't be the last, until the law punishes these people who write threats and insults on social media. It's those who love him who are important and are more than others. Your family is always with you. We love you Kimi"

The Austrian advisor, the day after his comments about Antonelli, publicly apologized after reviewing the footage, clearing him of any possible favoritism toward Norris in the title fight.

The Italian chose not to comment publicly on the incident but still sent a clear signal by removing his profile picture across all his social media accounts.

The matter was later reignited by Damon Hill, who also spoke out on social media in response to Marko’s remarks.