Axed Red Bull star calls for Marko FIA punishment after….read more
Jaime Alguersuari, a former Red Bull and Formula 1 driver, has called for the FIA to impose penalties on figures within the sport who make “offensive” comments. Alguersuari, who raced for Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls) between 2009 and 2011, made the remarks following several controversial statements from Helmut Marko, the influential Red Bull figure who has managed the careers of many drivers, including Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda.
Alguersuari began his career in Formula 1 with Red Bull’s sister team Toro Rosso, where he started 46 races before being replaced by Daniel Ricciardo in 2012. During his time with the team, he worked closely with Marko, who has been known for his tough approach to managing young drivers. Alguersuari spoke about the pressure Marko placed on him, particularly before the 2008 Formula 3 championship finale. According to Alguersuari, Marko told him, “If you don’t win the championship, you’re out of the program.” Despite this intense pressure, Alguersuari succeeded, winning the championship, and later credited Marko with helping him become a stronger driver. However, Alguersuari also admitted that Marko’s style could be harsh, revealing that the pressure he experienced was a defining aspect of his early career.
Helmut Marko has often been at the center of controversy due to his blunt and sometimes inflammatory comments. His remarks about junior driver Isack Hadjar’s emotional reaction to a crash during the 2025 Australian Grand Prix were met with widespread criticism. Marko dismissed Hadjar’s tears as “embarrassing,” which many felt was an unnecessary and callous remark. Furthermore, Marko faced backlash in 2023 when he made disparaging comments about Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, saying that Perez’s struggles with qualifying were due to his being “South American” and not as “completely focused” as other drivers like Max Verstappen or Sebastian Vettel. Though Marko apologized for these comments, they were widely condemned, including by F1 legend Lewis Hamilton, who deemed the remarks “unacceptable” and stressed the importance of creating a more inclusive environment in the sport.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Alguersuari addressed these controversies and suggested that the FIA should take action against figures like Marko who make offensive remarks. Alguersuari emphasized that while discipline and a tough approach are sometimes necessary in motorsport, there is a line that should not be crossed when it comes to cultural, religious, or national comments. He pointed out that in other sports like football, such comments are penalized, and he believes Formula 1 should adopt similar measures to protect the image of the sport. Alguersuari argued that the sport must be transparent and clean, not only for the integrity of the sport itself but also for the development of athletes and teams. He expressed concern that offensive remarks could damage Formula 1’s image, particularly given its global reach and diverse fanbase.
While Alguersuari made it clear that he has respect for Marko’s contribution to his career, he was equally critical of the way Marko conducts himself in public. “I do defend Helmut Marko in a way, but in another way, I would criticize some of the comments and aspects of him,” Alguersuari said. He acknowledged that Marko’s personality and approach are unlikely to change, stating, “I don’t think Helmut has changed at all, and I don’t think he ever will.” Despite this, Alguersuari urged the FIA and Formula 1 to address the issue, suggesting that penalties for offensive comments could help to foster a more respectful environment in the sport.
Alguersuari’s comments reflect a growing concern within Formula 1 about the need for better conduct and inclusivity among its key figures. With figures like Marko continually making headlines for their controversial remarks, the call for more regulation and accountability in the sport is becoming louder. Many within the F1 community, including Alguersuari, believe that addressing such issues head-on is necessary for the long-term health and reputation of the sport.
