Weekly Hot Take: The F1 Clock is Ticking for Helmut Marko
The 2025 Formula 1 season got off to a wild start in Melbourne last week. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of each season is the new rookie dynamic in F1, which illuminates how the new drivers need to prove themselves from their very first time on track - no pressure, right? The presence of criticism and outside opinion can foster nerves in the paddock, and such a situation was evident at the Australian Grand Prix - but first, let’s dive into Helmut Marko’s Formula 1 career for a little background lore.
Helmut Marko raced for the Écurie Bonnier team (driving the McLaren M7C) with his F1 debut at the German Grand Prix in 1971, also winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the same year. He later transferred to the British Racing Motors (BRM) team through 1972. However, a debris accident during the 1972 French Grand Prix caused Marko to gain permanent blindness in his left eye. Although he was no longer fit to race, he still wanted to be involved in the world of motorsports. Today, Marko is a senior advisor at Red Bull GmbH, overseeing the Red Bull driver development program and helping to shape the careers of Formula 1 stars of the near future. Many other former drivers have followed a similar path from driving the cars to entering a leadership role: the late legend Niki Lauda, commentator Martin Brundle, and 4 time world champion turned racing director Alain Prost, for example. Many legends of the sport are regarded as positively influential in their authoritative roles, but discussion of Marko’s insulting remarks towards drivers has painted him as a cruel villain instead of a caring mentor to the new generations.
Senior advisor Helmut Marko side-by-side with Oracle Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner - two controversial Red Bull leaders in one frame! Photo courtesy of RacingNews365.
Marko may be most known, however, for his criticisms of several drivers on the grid, including a few that do not have a relation to the Red Bull team. Over the years, Marko has publicly insulted drivers including Sergio Perez, Lando Norris, and most recently Isack Hadjar. The focus of the Austrian’s taunts is often the behavior or performance of the driver. He notably commented negatively on what he perceived to be Norris’ “mental weaknesses" compared to Max Verstappen and poked fun at Norris’ supposed pre-race "rituals". Norris himself and McLaren CEO Zak Brown have both responded to Marko’s statements by making light of the driver’s alleged superstitions and calling the critic out for encouraging the stigma of mental health, a huge issue in F1 today. Marko came under extreme fire in 2024 when he described Perez as “just not as completely focused in his head” as Verstappen, attributing it to Perez’s “South American” heritage in an exceedingly racist and unacceptable sentiment (not to mention that Perez is from Mexico, in North America.) Backlash after that comment was higher than ever before, and an FIA spokesperson ensured the media that Marko "received a written warning and was reminded of his responsibilities as a public figure in motor sport in line with the FIA Code of Ethics.”
Marko spending some quality time with his favorite driver Max Verstappen - the glaze is real. Photo courtesy of Autosport.
Marko’s loose lips appeared again this past race weekend when he targeted another driver, Isack Hadjar, with his brutal criticism. On raceday, Hadjar experienced what must have been the worst luck of his life, spinning out and DNFing the race before finishing the formation lap to enter his spot on the grid. With his debut race spoiled and no possibility of him even seeing lights out, Hadjar was naturally emotional and discouraged, and began to cry after he was eliminated in Melbourne. He was consoled by Lewis Hamilton’s father Anthony and other supporters, but Marko publicly declared Hadjar’s performance and reaction “embarassing.” Fans across the world slammed Marko for having such cruel and unbending standards, with many questioning if he is even relevant in the sport anymore. Christian Horner described his own reaction to Hadjar’s situation as heart-wrenching, additionally reminding everyone that "these guys are just kids really…he's got many bright days ahead of him."
Overall, hopes are high for Hadjar this weekend in Shanghai while many viewers worldwide yearn for Helmut Marko’s downfall- I mean, retirement. F1 should be a place of encouragement and success instead of insults and unnecessary spite. As always, thanks for reading, and let me know your opinion on Marko’s current position in the sport.
Lights out and away we go,
Lucy xx
