Helmut Marko apologises after wave of Kimi Antonelli abuse

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has acknowledged Kimi Antonelli did not let Lando Norris through for position at the Qatar Grand Prix, backtracking on a previous statement.

Antonelli was fending off Lando Norris in the final stages of the race as they battled for fourth position.

It looked as though Antonelli would keep Norris at bay until the chequered flag, which would allow Red Bull's Max Verstappen to close to within 10 points of Norris in the standings with one grand prix remaining.

However, a mistake from Antonelli on the penultimate lap saw him slip off the road, gifting Norris fourth, ensuring he enters the Abu Dhabi race 12 points clear of Verstappen.

Immediately after the race, Marko accused Antonelli of purposely letting Norris pass for position.

However, in an updated stance, Marko told F1 Insider: “I've looked at the footage again very carefully.

"The first time, Antonelli could have put up a bit more of a fight [referring to his battle with Oscar Piastri].

“The second time, it was a driving error and not intentional.”

After the race, Antonelli received a wave of criticism - including death threats - on social media, with Mercedes flagging over 1,100 severe comments and messages on his accounts.

The Brackley-based squad will present the message to the FIA as part of its United Against Online Abuse campaign.

Marko has revoked his accusation and expressed remorse for the abuse that Antonelli has suffered.

“I'm sorry that Antonelli got so much criticism online,” Marko added. “To make it perfectly clear: He didn't let Norris past intentionally.”