F1 NEWS TODAY: Red Bull chief Helmut Marko FUMING as FIA illegality debate over rivals rages on……
Red Bull Furious After Perez Crash and FIA Legality Debate Intensifies Over Rival Teams
Red Bull’s frustrations were laid bare after Sergio Perez’s dramatic crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, adding fuel to an ongoing debate about the legality of a leading rival team’s car. A viral video circulating on social media, which has garnered nearly seven million views, has reignited discussions over whether a top Formula 1 team’s car complies with FIA regulations.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior advisor, expressed his anger following the incident that saw Perez collide with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in the closing stages of the race. The Mexican driver, who was vying for his first podium since April’s Chinese Grand Prix, was forced out of the competition after the collision sent him into the barriers. The crash resulted in a virtual safety car, which remained in effect for the rest of the race, allowing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri to claim his second career win without further pressure from pole-sitter Charles Leclerc.
In the chaos following Perez’s exit, George Russell took advantage of the situation, securing an unexpected podium finish. Meanwhile, championship contenders Lando Norris and Max Verstappen completed the top five, with Norris chipping away at Verstappen’s lead despite starting from a lowly P15 on the grid.
Red Bull’s Disappointment Over ‘Unnecessary’ Crash
Marko did not hold back in his post-race interview, voicing his displeasure over what he considered an avoidable crash. With only seven races left in the season, Red Bull now trails McLaren by 20 points in the Constructors’ Championship, a potentially fatal blow to their hopes of securing a third consecutive title. The crash has left the team scrambling to repair Perez’s car ahead of the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix.
Marko’s frustration was evident in an interview with Sky Germany, where he outlined the impact of the incident on Red Bull’s preparations for the remaining races. “Now we have to see if we will be able to put the car back together,” Marko said. “We will manage to repair it, but not in the way we had originally planned. What we had in mind for Singapore’s trial times is now no longer possible. This is a massive setback.”
Marko Blames Sainz for the Collision
The 81-year-old Red Bull chief laid the blame squarely on Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, accusing the Spanish driver of causing the crash. Marko criticized Sainz’s aggressive move in the closing laps, claiming that it was unnecessary with just two laps remaining in the race. “I see Sainz’s abrupt move to the left, which caused the crash,” Marko stated. “I don’t think it’s necessary to provoke something like that so late in the race.”
While Marko acknowledged that Perez managed to come out of the incident relatively unscathed, he emphasized that the crash was costly for Red Bull. “Of course, Perez didn’t do it on purpose—he stayed on his line. If this had happened with beginner drivers, it wouldn’t be a surprise, but with two experienced drivers like this, it shouldn’t happen,” Marko added. “It cost us a lot of points, and now for Singapore, it’s going to be even more difficult. It’s a shame.”
FIA Legality Debate Over Rival Car
Adding to Red Bull’s frustrations is the ongoing controversy over the legality of one of their rival teams’ cars. The viral video that has sparked the debate has only increased scrutiny on the FIA, with fans and insiders questioning whether the team in question is abiding by the technical regulations.
The incident at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has only served to heighten tensions, with Red Bull now facing not only the challenge of repairing Perez’s car but also keeping pace with McLaren and fending off controversy surrounding the legality of their competitors. With the Singapore Grand Prix fast approaching, Red Bull’s hopes of retaining their championship titles are increasingly in jeopardy, and their path forward looks more complicated than ever.
Marko’s comments reflect the mounting pressure on Red Bull as they navigate a season full of unexpected hurdles, from on-track incidents to off-track debates about fairness and legality. The team’s focus now shifts to Singapore, where they will need a flawless performance to keep
their title hopes alive.