Marko faces repercussions for offensive comments
Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko, has been officially warned by the FIA for his xenophobic remarks made towards Mexican driver Sergio Perez.
In an interview, Marko stated that Perez, originally from Mexico, lacked the complete focus of Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel due to his South American background.
Marko has since issued an apology to Perez, who he has insulted by suggesting he is less mentally focused than his teammates.
FIA steps in to address the issue
Following the public outcry, particularly in Mexico, the FIA has taken action in the form of a written warning for Marko. The governing body reminded Marko of his responsibilities as a public figure in motorsport and emphasized the importance of adhering to the FIA code of ethics.
Christian Horner speaks out on the controversy
Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, spoke about the incident ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. He acknowledged that Marko's comments were inappropriate and expressed the team's commitment to diversity and responsibility.
Horner added that lessons have been learned from the situation and that the team remains dedicated to their fans and the global following of Formula 1. He concluded by emphasizing Perez's importance as a valued member of the team on the occasion of his 250th race.
Previous remarks by Marko under scrutiny
It is not the first time Marko has made derogatory comments about Perez. Last year, he joked that the Mexican driver was "drunk on tequila" after missing out on a podium finish at the French Grand Prix.
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