Helmut Marko Joins Team Massa 1 Day After Lewis Hamilton Led Tirade Against Unsavory Perez Comment

At the Italian GP, Red Bull capped off the European leg of the 2023 season, having won every race. It became the first team in Formula 1 history to do so. Two weeks ago, Max Verstappen became the first driver to win 10 races in a row. Despite these monumental records, it was Helmut Marko who stole the limelight before the Singapore GP. And it wasn’t in a good way. Following certain comments Marko made about Sergio Perez, Lewis Hamilton was furious with him. The seven-time champion did what he does best—stood up against the wrong.

Sergio Perez has had an up-and-down season. It’s no secret. Alluding to this, the Red Bull advisor said, “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].” Having listened to these xenophobic statements, Hamilton couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.

Marko went against Lewis Hamilton after he called out Red Bull

Following Marko’s comments, Red Bull took no action against its advisor. Christian Horner’s excuse was that Marko isn’t a member of Red Bull Racing. He apologized to Perez, and they’re both on good terms now. Seeing this, Hamilton spoke up in an interview with Sky Sports. He said, “I think this is not something that you just apologize [for], and it’s all okay. 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.”

Just a day after Hamilton’s remarks, Marko took a dig at the Brit. No, it wasn’t about the Perez situation. Rather, it was about Felipe Massa’s lawsuit against the FIA. Built around the happenings during the 2008 Singapore GP, the Brazilian intends to snatch Hamilton’s maiden title and claim it for himself. As the D-day for the legal proceedings to kickstart nears, Marko gave his two cents on the issue. He said, “It was terrible to see how Massa celebrated winning, and then everything was gone. I would like him to be awarded this title.”

Read More: Despite Perez Accepting Apology, Hamilton Demands Stern Action Against Marko After Red Bull Fails to Condemn Shameful Behavior

Referring to Toto Wolff’s ‘Wikipedia’ comment about Verstappen, Marko added, “And Mr. Hamilton, for whom records aren’t that important, would then have one less.” When Massa crossed the line first in the final race of the season in Brazil, he thought he’d sealed the title. His garage was obviously ecstatic. But owing to a final lap overtake by Hamilton, the Brit claimed his first title. Marko shouldn’t get too ahead of himself, though. If what he wishes for happens, it could very well affect his own team.

Hamilton could be crowned 2021 champion

Felipe Massa recently realized he didn’t really lose the 2008 championship on track. Following a conversation with former F1 owner Bernie Ecclestone, he decided he would do whatever it took to claim that title. Hence the lawsuit. Considering what he wants is the title, a video by The Race explained why that won’t happen. “There was no recourse to make Hamilton the 2021 champion after a race that, months later, the FIA essentially admitted was fundamentally influenced by the wrong application of the rules.” 

It also mentioned that Crashgate—the reason for the lawsuit—didn’t directly affect the championship outcome. But what happened in Abu Dhabi in 2021 did. Turns out, Mercedes will use Massa’s lawsuit as ammunition for its own cause. Suppose Massa successfully claims the 2008 title based on an event that didn’t directly affect the championship outcome. In that case, Hamilton will have every right to claim the 2021 title after what went down in Abu Dhabi. If Massa wins, Max Verstappen and Red Bull will most likely lose.

Watch This Story: Felipe Massa’s Attempt to Take Back the 2008 F1 Championship Explained

What are your thoughts on the subject? Do you think Lewis Hamilton should lose his 2008 title?