Storm of criticism after Marko statement: Red Bull adivseur declares himself

8 September 2023 at 06:57

Last update 8 September 2023 at 08:27

GPblog.com

Helmut Marko has faced criticism on social media after he said on an Austrian television station on Monday that Sergio Perez is not as focused as a Max Verstappen or a Sebastian Vettel because he is South American. That has gone down the wrong way with many and the Red Bull Racing adviser is now responding to that criticism.

Marko was a guest on ServusTV in Hangar-7 and then, of course, it was about Sergio Perez. The Mexican had a particularly difficult period before the summer break in which he missed Q3 five times in a row, but in the last four races he did manage to get back on the podium three times. The 33-year-old thus seems to be on the mend.

Marko was also pleased with his performance in last weekend's Italian Grand Prix, but he did make a comment/improvement. "We know he has problems in qualifying. He has form fluctuations. He is South American. He is not as focused in his head as Max [Verstappen] or Sebastian [Vettel]."

Marko clarifies

Things then went wild on social media. Marko was said to be discriminatory and the comparison would be invalid because Mexico is not in South America but North America. OE24 contacted the 80-year-old Austrian to confront him about the criticism he is receiving.

Marko is surprised and as far as he is concerned, it is nothing more than a storm in a teacup. "It wasn't meant that way. I meant that a Mexican has a different mentality than a German or a Dutchman." Postscript from Marko: "But who knows, maybe he has it under control."