“We know that [Perez] has problems in qualifying. He has fluctuations in form. He is South American, and he is just not as completely focused in his head as Max [Verstappen] or as Sebastian [Vettel],” said Helmut Marko. Yes, Sergio Perez has had a tough season. His performances have been pretty erratic and inconsistent. Even he knows that. But there were better ways of putting that through to him, don’t you think Marko? Ways that didn’t involve the use of xenophobia. 

Everyone’s learning, though. Perez is learning how to get more consistent. Marko is learning how to be less offensive. And now, Mexicans—specifically Perez fans—need to learn how to look past Marko’s comments. Or, at least, they’re being urged to do so. 

Marko said what he said to make Sergio Perez better

Since the time Red Bull joined Formula 1, it’s followed one theory: survival of the fittest. If a driver isn’t doing well, they’re replaced almost immediately. The man driving this ruthless environment has always been Dr. Helmut Marko. As soon as he thinks a driver can’t do any better than they are, he gives them the pink slip. That’s what he did with Nyck De Vries this season. But when he knows a driver has the potential to perform but isn’t meeting their expectations, what does he do? Criticizes them to get them back on track.

Turns out, as per Argentine journalist Fernando Tornello, that’s exactly the case with Marko and Perez. In an interview with the Mexican newspaper Esto, as reported by Formula Passion, Tornello said, “Mexican fans must accept Marko’s words with a smile. We can’t get angry about everything he says. He is simply a provocateur. He is a tough man. He does it to tease and prod the drivers so that they get more out of the car and improve in terms of determination. I believe this is the reason why he made these comments about [Perez].” [Translated by Google]

Read More: “Fire Helmut”: Taskmaster Marko’s Public Trial for Sins Against Perez Overshadows Vettel’s F1 Return

As offensive as Mexican fans found the comments, their hero was (at least publicly) unfazed. He even revealed Marko apologized to him. Perez said, “I had a one-on-one conversation with him. He apologized. That was the most important thing for me. Now, let’s put that behind us. I have a personal relationship with him. I know he doesn’t mean it that way. And I personally didn’t get offended at all.” The thing is, Mexican fans aren’t the only ones who can’t seem to forgive Marko as easily as Perez did. 

Lewis Hamilton isn’t happy with how Red Bull handled the situation

Lewis Hamilton has been an advocate for inclusivity and diversity for a long time. So, everything Marko said basically went against his beliefs. After making those comments, Marko had to apologize as well publicly. Be that as it may, Hamilton isn’t happy that Red Bull took no action against its advisor. He told Sky Sports, “I think this is not something that you just apologize [for], and it’s all OK. I think there needs to be more done. Teams, when they’ve had individuals make comments, they usually are removed. Or, at least, they put out a quote and say they don’t support that sort of thing. So it is interesting that they haven’t done so for this one.” 

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner, though, gave his reasons. He defended Red Bull’s non-actions by saying, “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. It’s now for them to touch on.” Helmut Marko is still very much a part of Red Bull’s day-to-day actions, meaning that the FOM and the FIA haven’t taken any action either.

Watch This Story: Sergio Perez Caught in the Crossfire as Sebastian Vettel Dismisses All Attempts to Downplay Verstappen’s Dominance

Do you feel Helmut Marko can be forgiven for his comments about Sergio Perez?