We know he has a problem in qualifying. He has a change in form,” Marko said.
“He’s a South American and he’s not completely focused in his head like Max (Verstappen) or Sebastian (Vettel).”
Marco’s remarks were not only an insult to Perez and all South Americans, but also caused a stir in Mexico because Mexico is officially in North America.
Amid lingering speculation over Perez’s future in the team and growing dissatisfaction with Marco’s comments, Servers TV issued a statement apologizing on Marco’s behalf on Friday.
A statement posted on the website said: “I want to apologize for my insulting remarks and make it clear that I do not believe we can generalize about any country, any race or people of any ethnicity.
“I tried to argue that the Czech Republic had a change in his performance this year, but it was wrong to attribute this to his cultural heritage.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Peres has a deal to stay in Red Bull until 2024, but speculation has been rife over whether to stay in the squad since then.
The Mexican gave his first hint of a potential future elsewhere after the Italian GP, and he said what is important for him to remain is his belief that he can contribute to the team’s success.
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“Over the season it’s important that we want to be in an environment where I feel like I can contribute in the next couple of races,” he told Spanish channel DAZN.
“And if we don’t have that place in 2024, we have to find another alternative. But my main goal now is to win more races here and continue to win championships with Red Bull.
“I have a contract until next year, so sometime next year we’ll sit down and talk.”