Red Bull Apologizes for Error in Accusations Against Mercedes' Antonelli

Red Bull has apologized after false accusations emerged alleging Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli deliberately allowed McLaren's Lando Norris to overtake at the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull's consultant Helmut Marko and other team members issued baseless claims, later addressed by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff as 'nonsense.'

Red Bull issued an apology on Monday following erroneous allegations made by senior team members. They accused Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of letting McLaren's Lando Norris overtake him during the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull's motorsport consultant, Helmut Marko, admitted his comments after the race were incorrect.

Tensions rose as Mercedes' chief Toto Wolff condemned the baseless claims as 'utter nonsense.' Red Bull sought to calm the situation, as Antonelli, only 19, faced online harassment. Replay footage demonstrated Antonelli had lost control of his car, allowing Norris to pass him unintentionally.

The controversy unfolded as Mercedes and Norris, who leads the championship, intensified their battle with Red Bull for final standings. The situation concluded with Christian Horner apologizing on behalf of Red Bull, acknowledging the unintended impact on Kimi Antonelli.

(With inputs from agencies.)