McLaren’s Zak Brown responds to Helmut Marko’s controversial comments about Sergio Perez
Lewis Hamilton stated that Helmut Marko’s apology is not sufficient.
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Zack Brown, Sergio Perez and Helmut Marko (Via IMAGO)
Dr. Helmut Marko has faced significant aversion from Formula One team principals due to his comments connecting Sergio Perez’s ethnicity and his focus. Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, has responded to the controversy surrounding the issue. He highlighted the importance of respecting all individuals, regardless of their ethnic background, and stressed the need for mindfulness with words.
The Red Bull advisor’s comments received backlash for being racially offensive towards his driver, Sergio Perez. Which later prompted Marko to issue an apology statement to clarify his intentions. Addressing the controversy, Zak Brown acknowledged the importance of being mindful of what is being said and understanding why people were offended by the comments.
“I think you have to be very careful what you say to anybody. It was not a great comment. We can understand why people were offended by it. You have to be very respectful of everyone and not make comments that can be viewed inappropriately,” said Zak Brown, as reported by Crash.net.
Haas F1 Team Principal Gunther Steiner acknowledged Zak Brown’s statement and emphasized that stereotyping is ineffective in contemporary times and the need to be cautious about words.
Lewis Hamilton stated that Helmut Marko’s apology was not sufficient
The seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, strongly condemned the statement made by Helmut Marko. Despite Marko issuing a public apology, Hamilton asserted that such words are never acceptable.
Marko has publicly and privately apologized to Sergio Perez, acknowledging that the remarks were offensive. However, Hamilton, who has been actively working over the years to combat discrimination in Formula 1, expressed that such an apology was insufficient from a senior figure.
“It is completely unacceptable. This is not something you just apologize for and it is all OK…… there is no room for any type of discrimination in this sport…..to have leaders and people in his position making comments like this is not good for us moving forward,” said Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton also acknowledged that while individuals are working behind the scenes to address these issues, progress can be challenged when people in leadership positions hold this mentality. He also emphasized that this mindset doesn’t align with his team’s values.
In case you missed it:
- Christian Horner explains why Red Bull hasn’t made an official statement on Helmut Marko’s Xenophobic remarks about Sergio Perez
- What is Sergio Perez’s ethnicity?
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Justin P Joy
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