Red Bull can be the most dominant team in F1 at present, but not devoid of controversy. Previously, the Austrian team found themselves in a nasty controversy over breaching the cost cap limit. However, for the successful collaboration between the team and Max Verstappen, the team’s advisor, Helmut Marko, has always been a bit partial towards the current double-time champion. On the other hand, Marko has been overly critical of Max’s teammates. Since Verstappen joined the Austrian team, his teammates, including Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and now Sergio Perez, complained of being put under a lot of pressure.
Moreover, every fan knows how critical the Red Bull advisor can be of Sergio Perez. But recently, Helmut Marko took it too far. Helmut mentioned since Checo is from South America, he is not as focused as other F1 drivers. This comment has sparked debates over racism in F1 and condemned the Austrian. Moreover, fans demand Christian Horner and the authorities to take strict action against Helmut Marko. The media, including Sportskeeda, asked Horner to give a statement on Helmut Marko. However, the Red Bull boss mentioned there is not much they can do about it because Marko is not an employee of the team.
Why Christian Horner Won’t Take Action Against Helmut Marko?
Moreover, Horner noted that Marko is part of Red Bull’s wider group. But through the Servus TV Channel, the group has issued an apology on behalf of Helmut Marko. Christian Horner said Marko is technically a consultant to the wider group. Hence, the Red Bull’s F1 team boss can’t really provide a statement. But Christian Horner did state that those comments of Helmut Marko were not the right thing to say. Moreover, Horner mentioned Marko realized his mistake and apologized to Checo directly.
But it is never too late to learn, even at the age of 80. There is a certain code of conduct and ethics and, most importantly, a sporting code. Moreover, Red Bull has spoken to the FIA and FOM regarding this controversy. But Christian Horner points out that Sergio Perez is a massively popular member of the F1 team. The Red Bull’s boss had pushed really hard to get Checo in the team for the 2021 season. Moreover, Red Bull takes the worldwide popularity they have very seriously and very responsibly.
The Cost Cap Era Has Been Too Kind To Red Bull
The new cost cap era saw an amazing rise of Red Bull to a whole other level. They have won 24 races of the last 25 Grands Prix. But Red Bull had to pay a fine of $7 million along with a 10% reduction in wind tunnel time for exceeding the cost cap limit in 2021. According to the Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, breaching the cost cap limit was not good for the image of the Red Bull, an energy drink conglomerate.
Nevertheless, the Milton Keynes team overshadowed that controversy with utter dominance on the grid. Red Bull’s driver Max Verstappen won 37 races in the last two and a half years. The Dutchman helped the Austrian team win the constructor title last season and will win in 2023, too, eventually.
