F1 NEWS: Ex-Red Bull Driver Urges FIA to Penalize Helmut Marko for…read more
F1 NEWS: Ex-Red Bull Driver Urges FIA to Penalize Helmut Marko for…read more
Ex-Red Bull and Formula 1 driver Jaime Alguersuari has called for the FIA to take action against prominent figures in the sport, including Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, for making ‘offensive’ remarks. The Spaniard, who competed for Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls) from 2009 to 2011, believes stricter regulations should be implemented to prevent inappropriate statements.
Alguersuari’s History with Marko
During his time in the Red Bull driver program, Alguersuari worked closely with Marko, who has played a key role in the development of several young drivers, including Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda. Reflecting on the pressure he endured, Alguersuari revealed in an interview that Marko had warned him before the 2008 Formula 3 championship finale:
“If you don’t win the championship, you’re out of the program.”
While he credited Marko’s tough approach for making him a stronger driver, Alguersuari now argues that certain comments in Formula 1 should not go unchecked and should fall under FIA scrutiny.
Should the FIA Regulate Controversial Statements?
Marko has been at the center of multiple controversies due to his outspoken nature. In 2025, he received criticism for labeling Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar’s emotional response to a formation lap crash at the Australian Grand Prix as “embarrassing.” The remarks drew widespread backlash from the F1 community.
Similarly, in 2023, Marko made controversial comments about Sergio Perez during an interview with ServusTV, stating: “We know that he has problems in qualifying, he has fluctuations in form, he is South American and he is just not as completely focused in his head as Max Verstappen or as Sebastian Vettel.
Although Marko later issued an apology, his remarks sparked a debate about inclusivity in the sport. Lewis Hamilton publicly criticized the statements, calling them “unacceptable” and advocating for a more respectful and inclusive environment in F1.
Alguersuari Pushes for Stronger Oversight
Commenting on the issue, Alguersuari emphasized that the FIA should enforce stricter penalties for inappropriate comments made by influential figures in the sport.
“I have to say, Helmut Marko at the moment maybe could kind of learn some things that he could avoid,” Alguersuari stated.
“I genuinely believe Formula 1 and the FIA should introduce penalties for certain remarks. You can be strict, you can be disciplined, but there is a line that should not be crossed when it comes to cultures, religions, or entire nations.
Other sports like football impose sanctions for such behavior, and Formula 1 should follow suit for the betterment of its reputation. The sport must maintain transparency, fairness, and respect as it evolves.”
Despite his criticisms, Alguersuari acknowledged Marko’s contributions to the sport but expressed doubt that the Red Bull advisor would ever change his approach.
“I do defend Helmut Marko in some ways, but there are aspects of his behavior that deserve criticism,” he said. “I don’t think Helmut has changed at all, and I don’t think he ever will.”
