Helmut Marko contradicts ‘Checo’ Pérez: ‘It is the first time he has complained about the brakes’
Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing consultant, disputes Sergio 'Checo' Pérez's claims about persistent brake issues following the Mexico City Grand Prix qualifications.
The Autódromo de los Hermanos Rodríguez recently became the center of a controversy involving Mexican driver Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez and Helmut Marko, a consultant for Red Bull Racing, following the qualifying session for the 2024 Mexico Grand Prix. This disagreement stems from Pérez's complaints of experiencing brake issues during the recent races, which Marko has publicly rejected. The ongoing tension hints at internal conflicts within the Red Bull team as they approach a critical point in the racing season.
During the qualifying rounds, Pérez expressed frustration regarding his difficulties in braking effectively, stating that he struggled to slow down the car, particularly for the slow corners, which has hindered his performance throughout the last three races. He noted that the persistent braking problems were a major factor contributing to his early exit from Q1 during the Mexico Grand Prix qualifications. Despite voicing his concerns to the team mechanics, Pérez lamented that there seems to be no quick fix for the issues plaguing his car.
The exchange between Pérez and Marko not only highlights the pressures faced by drivers in high-stakes motorsport but also raises questions about team dynamics and communication in the Red Bull Racing camp. As the F1 season progresses, how this disagreement is resolved could significantly impact both Pérez's performance and the overall team strategy as they seek to remain competitive in the championship standings.