F1 News
Perez responds to Marko statements: 'He said 'sorry''
Red Bull Racing continued to dominate the news, even between the Italian and the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix. This time, not because of a new record set by Max Verstappen, but Helmut Marko took centre stage. Red Bull's external advisor had to apologise after hurtful remarks against Sergio Perez. The storm has not completely subsided since then, with calls for Marko's dismissal coming from various quarters.
Marko already indicated in the run-up to the Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit that he would not answer questions about the riot. Christian Horner does talk to the media about the matter. It is still unclear when exactly that will happen. As was to be expected, Sergio Perez was asked questions on the media day before the Singapore race about the statements made by Marko, the man who brought him to Red Bull at the time.
Perez responds to Marko's statements
Perez said, "Knowing the person helps a lot because I know he doesn’t mean it that way. I took his apology because I know Helmut from the personal relationship we have. He doesn’t mean it that way," Mexican told the media. He continued: "We all make mistakes, and to me, what was most important is that I take his apology, his personal apology. What happens afterwards and on the media side, or in the public eye, that’s not in my control. To me, the most important thing is the personal relationship.”
Asked if he was offended by what Marko said, Pérez said: “Not at all, if I’m totally honest. Knowing Helmut, I know he doesn’t mean it that way. And I didn’t get offended at all, personally.If those comments were from a different perspective, I would have taken them differently." Whether that settles the matter remains to be seen in the time to come. Red Bull Racing, as mentioned, has not yet responded to the incident. The fact that Marko is not a regular employee of the team complicates things further.