F1 Discrimination Debate: Perez Accepts Apology, Hamilton Calls for Change
Sep.15 - Sergio Perez says he was "not at all" offended by Red Bull boss Dr Helmut Marko's allegedly "discriminatory" comments about him recently.
Organisers of the Mexican GP were among those who hit out at Marko having linked Perez's "South American" characteristics with his lack of focus in comparison to Dutchman Max Verstappen or German Sebastian Vettel.
Austrian Marko, 80, subsequently apologised, but he said he would not be making further comment this weekend in Singapore.
When asked about the saga, world champion Verstappen said in Singapore: "I don't think I'm the right person to educate Helmut, but for me, when people realise they made a mistake and they correct it, you move on.
"That's what we do in our team."
Red Bull nemesis and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, however, said Marko's apology is not enough.
"There are people in the background working really hard to fight discrimination in this sport, but it's really difficult when you have people at the very top with a mentally that stops that progression," he said.
"It's not something you can just apologise for and be ok. I think something more needs to be done."
But while Hamilton, 38, is a known anti-racism campaigner, it's just the latest needle between Mercedes and Red Bull - with Toto Wolff having downplayed Verstappen's new ten-race winning-streak record as a mere Wikipedia footnote.
Marko had responded by reminding the Mercedes boss that Wikipedia is one of the world's most read mediums.
When asked about that retort, Wolff told Osterreich newspaper in Singapore: "The doctor hasn't exactly shone with his statements in the past few days, has he?
"I don't really want to say anything more about it, but maybe Wikipedia is part of his daily reading. For me it was always about learning from the best - people like Frank Williams or Niki Lauda."
As for Mexican Perez, who was already feeling the heat of rumours linking him with Red Bull's exit door, he said he accepted Marko's "South American" jibe.
"I had a private conversation with Helmut," he said. "He apologised to me. And basically, we move on.
"I think knowing someone personally helps a lot, because I know he doesn't mean it like that with that intention."
When asked if he was offended, the 33-year-old insisted: "Not at all, if I'm completely honest. I think we all make mistakes.
"What happens next, in the media or in the public, is not in my control. But I think something we can appreciate about Helmut is that he is very transparent with the media and with the world in general, also with the drivers," Perez added.
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Good
Mexico is part of NORTH AMERICA
Indeed
What's hammy talking about? Does he think South American is a race? His ignorance is epic if so. Surely he doesn't think Mexican is a race either. Who knows with him. What ever he can twist to fit the narrative is all that's important. F1 is one of the most diverse sports in the world and to try and claim otherwise is BS.
Lilly jumps on any band wagon that gets him in print, Christian W is still at it, digging away , its pathetic, as for the Fia issuing the Doc with a warning letter, equally pathetic Imo
Hamilton is obviously a spent force and tries in his twisted way to try to encite controversy by shit talking to the media who fall for it to sell their so called publications
Hamilton should STFU and concentrate on his lack of performance
WTF has any of this to do with Louise? It's done and dusted, all those directly involved have resolved their issues, kissed and made up! Nobody needs Louise or Tutu to push their stickybeak noses into something that is of no concern to them and give it more air time in the media. Louise and Tutu are sick puppies!
Louise and Tutu would sell their own grandma if it could get them publicity!
Helmet may be old but it is no excuse
Racism is an issue and whenever we can have more convo about it to help educate those who are not on board - the better.
Yes they are all privileged and should consider that point before they open their mouths
Complaining about 24 races - that's only half a year of direct performance and they get paid how much? I am lucky to earn 100,000Au and work my 45 hpw. I'm not complaining - I am lucky compared to many.
So why don't we all just acknowledge reality adn then get about enjoying amazing people with amazing talent do amazing things at a speed I can only imagine :) PH
As is so often the case it's someone else eager to take offence on someone else's behalf even when no offence has been taken. Lulu should butt out.