SHOCKING: Helmut Marko Criticizes FIA Over ‘Double Standards’

Helmut Marko Criticizes FIA Over ‘Double Standards’ Amid Max Verstappen Swearing Controversy

Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has accused the FIA of exercising “double standards” following Max Verstappen’s punishment for swearing during a Formula 1 press conference. The controversy stems from the governing body’s recent crackdown on driver language in media sessions, which resulted in Verstappen becoming the first driver penalized under the new guidelines.

The incident occurred during the Thursday press conference before the Singapore Grand Prix, where Verstappen used the f-word while discussing his car’s performance. Despite the context being unrelated to any individual, the FIA deemed the language inappropriate, handing Verstappen a day of community service as punishment.

Verstappen’s response to the penalty was one of clear frustration. In subsequent press conferences, he opted to remain mostly silent, choosing instead to hold separate discussions with the media outside the FIA’s regulatory scrutiny. This move was seen as a quiet protest against what Verstappen and Red Bull perceive as disproportionate consequences for an offhand remark.

Helmut Marko came to Verstappen’s defense, criticizing the FIA’s approach as inconsistent, especially in comparison to the language commonly heard in Netflix’s popular “Drive to Survive” docuseries. “There are double standards,” Marko told Formel1.de. “He [Verstappen] wasn’t talking about a person, he was talking about the car, in other words, an object, and in a flippant way.”

Marko expressed his belief that the reaction was exaggerated, especially since it happened during an afternoon press conference where the tone is often more relaxed. “If everything is handled so strictly, it will be handled differently in the future. But it’s clearly exaggerated,” he added, implying that the FIA’s decision was overly harsh.

The controversy surrounding the punishment has not only frustrated Verstappen but has also led him to hint at reevaluating his future in the sport. The Dutchman, who is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, admitted that situations like this could influence whether he continues in Formula 1 beyond his current deal. Speaking to the media, Verstappen said, “These kinds of things definitely decide my future as well. I’m at the stage of my career that you don’t want to be dealing with this all the time.”

Verstappen’s discontent with the situation has raised concerns that he might seriously consider stepping away from Formula 1 earlier than anticipated. Marko emphasized that the threat of retirement should not be taken lightly. “Max has to be taken seriously,” Marko said. “We spoke at length on the phone. Max has achieved a great deal, but it’s important for him to have fun and enjoy the whole sport.”

Marko further explained that Verstappen’s passion for racing is fueled by his enjoyment of the sport, and if that begins to diminish due to external pressures, his departure could become a reality. “If he says, ‘OK, that’s it,’ then he means it. But I don’t hope that the current situation will really cause him to retire any time soon,” Marko added.

Although Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs through the 2028 season, his recent comments suggest he may not remain in the sport for that duration. Having made his Formula 1 debut at just 17 years old with Toro Rosso in 2015, Verstappen has already amassed significant achievements, including reaching the 200 Grand Prix milestone at his home race in Zandvoort earlier this year.

However, Verstappen has repeatedly indicated that he has no intention of competing in another 200 Grands Prix. He has often spoken about his interest in exploring other racing categories, such as the FIA World Endurance Championship and its prestigious Le Mans event. Additionally, Verstappen is deeply involved in sim-racing, which occupies much of his spare time, suggesting that he has plenty of other racing-related pursuits should he choose to leave Formula 1.

In the meantime, the tension between Verstappen and the FIA over this incident has sparked debates about the governing body’s approach to enforcing regulations on driver conduct. Whether this episode will lead to a change in FIA policy or have longer-term repercussions on Verstappen’s future in the sport remains to be seen.