Red Bull Boss Reveals Why the Team Chose to Keep Mum About Helmut Marko-Sergio Perez Situation, and It Dangles on a Technicality

Kriti Shukla | 15/09/2023
Red Bull Boss Reveals Why the Team Chose to Keep Mum About Helmut Marko-Sergio Perez Situation, and It Dangles on a Technicality

Helmut Marko is facing criticism from the majority of the F1 community for failing to issue an acceptable statement following the controversy involving Red Bull driver Sergio Perez. Marko, Red Bull’s chief advisor, made a number of derogatory remarks about Perez’s ethnicity in a recent interview.

Lewis Hamilton, among others, has criticized Red Bull for its lack of action, stating that “it is interesting that they haven’t done so for this one.” Lewis Hamilton called Marko’s comments “completely unacceptable” and went as far as suggesting that he should be removed from his position.

Teams usually take strict measures against their members who are caught making racist or xenophobic comments. This is done to remain firm on their zero-tolerance stance. However, that was not the case with Helmut Marko and his comments on Perez.

Christian Horner: Marko is not part of Red Bull

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, explained that Marko is not part of Red Bull Racing and is just a mentor. However, the 80-year-old plays an important role in the racing team, making a lot of important decisions and hiring their drivers.

“He is not part of Red Bull Racing, that is why, we did not put out a statement. However, he is part of the bigger Red Bull Company Group, for which they have put out a comment.”  There is a code of conduct, ethics and sporting code, and we have communicated with FOM and the FIA over the past few days, and it’s now for them to touch on.”

Horner added that the one statement issued by Red Bull on Marko’s comments was enough. The Red Bull boss has also put the blame on Formula One officials for their failure to take action against Marko.

Sergio Perez, meanwhile accepted his chief advisor’s apology and insisted that he wasn’t offended. However, it is worth noting that Perez is in a tough spot. Marko is his boss and his future at Red Bull heavily depends on him. Hence, there is a chance Perez would begrudgingly accept Marko’s apology, even if he was severely offended.

Sergio Perez’s acceptance of Helmut Marko’s apology

Perez has accepted Marko’s apology, stating that he is “satisfied” with it. However, Perez’s acceptance of Marco’s apology is a complicated one. On one hand, Marko’s words could be seen as a sign that Perez was genuinely upset. On the other hand, it could also be seen as a sign that 33-year-old feels pressured to accept an apology because of Marko’s seniority and position of power.

Perez’s reaction to Marko’s apology is also significant because of the context in which it takes place. Formula One has historically been dominated by white male drivers. In recent years, however, there has been a growing movement to increase diversity and inclusion in sport.

 

Post Edited By: Tanish Chachra
Red Bull Sergio Perez

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Kriti Shukla

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