Helmut Marko is known for making bold and unrealistic statements. However, even since the derogatory comments made toward Sergio Perez, the Austrian is nowhere to be seen near or in an interview, let alone make statements. Lewis Hamilton slammed the Red Bull taskmaster at the Singapore GP. Ralf Schumacher has now come out to counter the 7X champ. But how is he countering it?
Helmut Marko, before the Singapore GP weekend, advised that Sergio Perez isn’t as focused as Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel because of his non-European descent. The statement created a lot of controversy with Lewis Hamilton coming out to ferociously slam Marko. The 7x champ advised that what Marko said was unacceptable as there was no room for discrimination. He added that having leaders like him making such comments isn’t good for F1.
Nonetheless, Ralf Schumacher came out to defend the Red Bull advisor from Hamilton’s statements. Schumacher advised Marko doesn’t want anything bad for anyone. However, he did add that Marko sometimes says something without thinking which is hurtful for a driver. But he doesn’t mean any harm, he just speaks without filters.
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According to Motorsport-Total.com, Ralf Schumacher said, “That takes him so a bit that people think about him at all. That’s really the case, because Helmut is someone who doesn’t want anything bad for anyone. He knocks out a loose, thoughtless saying every now and then, and in the sporting evaluation this is not always easy for his drivers.” He later added, “I am firmly convinced that this was not meant to be racist.” [Translated Via Google]
Ralf Schumacher: Helmut Marko "ist sicher nicht rechts" #RedBullRacing #F12023 #F1 #Formel1 !B https://t.co/i2spZh2Z1X pic.twitter.com/awob2MQJid
— Motorsport-Total.com (@MST_Formel1) September 20, 2023
It wasn’t only Ralf Schumacher who spoke in favor of Helmut Marko. Both Red Bull drivers, Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen also spoke for Helmut Marko.
Read More: Helmut Marko Joins Team Massa 1 Day After Lewis Hamilton Led Tirade Against Unsavory Perez Comment
Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen on Helmut Marko’s controversial comments
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Helmut Marko realized his mistake soon after making the comments about Sergio Perez and publicly came out to apologize for his comments as he advised that he shouldn’t have characterized Checo’s inconsistent performance as his culture and heritage. Sergio Perez accepted Marko’s apology. Max Verstappen also advised that Marko made a mistake but quickly apologized for it.
During the Singapore GP weekend, Sergio Perez said, “I took his apology, because I know Helmut from the personal relationship that we have, that he doesn’t mean it that way. And I didn’t get offended at all, personally.” Max Verstappen on the other hand said, “I don’t think I’m the right person to educate Helmut. I think he quickly realized what he said and he apologized for it.”
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What do you think about Schumacher’s counters toward Lewis Hamilton?
WATCH THIS STORY | Helmut Marko’s Frightening Reality Slap: Lewis Hamilton Downplays Max Verstappen’s Dominance!