Lewis Hamilton Questions F1 and Red Bull’s Silence on Marko’s Controversial Remarks
Lewis Hamilton, a prominent figure in Formula 1 and an advocate for diversity and inclusion, has raised concerns over the lack of response from both Formula 1 and the Red Bull team regarding Helmut Marko’s recent controversial comments. Marko, a motorsport advisor for Red Bull, faced backlash after attributing Sergio Perez’s performance fluctuations to his ethnicity.
Marko’s comments came in the aftermath of the Italian Grand Prix, where he suggested that Perez, who is Mexican, lacked the mental focus displayed by Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel due to his South American heritage. These comments were widely criticized as racial stereotyping.
Marko’s Appology
While Marko issued an official apology following the uproar, Hamilton believes that apologies alone are insufficient to address such discriminatory remarks. He expressed his surprise at the absence of statements or actions from senior figures within Formula 1 and Red Bull, considering that both entities have previously taken decisive steps to combat discriminatory behavior within the sport.
The Curious Case of Juri Vips
Hamilton referenced the case of Juri Vips, a former Red Bull reserve driver who was dismissed from the team in 2022 due to a racist slur he made on social media. He also highlighted instances where teams like Mercedes took a stand against racist bullying by sacking staff members in 2019.
Hamilton’s Belief
The seven-time World Champion stressed that stronger actions should be taken when leaders and individuals in prominent positions make discriminatory comments. He believes that the absence of a response from Formula 1 and Red Bull hinders the progress made in fostering inclusivity and diversity within the sport.
Hamilton’s comments serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in eliminating discrimination and ensuring that Formula 1 provides a welcoming environment for individuals from all backgrounds. While the sport has taken steps to promote diversity and inclusivity, incidents like Marko’s remarks underscore the need for continued efforts to address discrimination at all levels of Formula 1.
The incident involving Marko’s comments highlights the importance of proactive measures to combat discrimination, sending a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in a sport striving for greater inclusivity and equality.
