Christian Horner explains why Red Bull hasn’t made an official statement on Helmut Marko’s Xenophobic remarks about Sergio Perez

The controversial statement from Dr. Helmut Marko over Sergio Perez’s ethnicity has caused significant turmoil within the Formula 1 paddock. Many were quick to demand stern action against the Austrians. In the meantime, the Red Bull Racing team surprisingly refused to make any statement. Now, team principal Christian Horner has offered detailed clarification regarding the team’s decision not to comment on the controversy.

In a recent interview with Servus TV, the Red Bull Motorsports advisor sparked controversy with comments about Sergio Perez. Marko hinted that Perez being South American makes him less focused than his teammate Max Verstappen. Alongside being offensive, the comment was inaccurate as well, because Perez hails from Mexico, which is in North America.

Addressing the situation, Christian Horner acknowledged that Helmut Marko quickly apologized publicly and directly to Sergio. But Red Bull continued since didn’t sit well with the fans. Now Horner has explained the team did release a statement on the controversy as Marko wasn’t a Red Bull Racing employee.

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. I think Helmut quickly recognised that and apologised for that, both publicly and directly to Sergio.

Christian Horne said, as reported by Planetf1.com.

Sergio Perez says that he received a direct apology from Helmut Marko

Whie talking about the controversy, Sergio Perez acknowledged that he received a personal apology from Helmut Marko. This has a greater significance for him than a public statement.

I got an apology from him, a direct apology, which to me was the most important one. I know him, and I know that he doesn't mean it that way as well. That to me is what matters. When you have a personal relationship with someone, it's a feeling that you've got to have and to me, that's the most important one. 

Sergio Perez said.

In addition, Perez acknowledged the importance of focusing on the upcoming weekend’s performance on the track. He emphasized that the personal apology he received was of greater significance to him than anything else.

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