F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Marko gives the skinny on timing of Perez Abu Dhabi photo

Helmut Marko has explained the timing of the puzzling photo of Sergio Perez which was taken in Abu Dhabi several days before the Mexican was announced as Red Bull's 2021 driver.

In the group shot published on the Friday after the Abu Dhabi GP on Horner's Instagram account, a beaming Perez is surrounded by Marko and the Red Bull Racing team boss.

However, some astute internet peeps noticed that the background of the picture featured curtains from the Yas Marina track hotel.

But the forensic work didn't stop there, with followers also remarking that Perez was wearing the same clothes that he was wearing when he conducted a helmet exchange with Sebastian Vettel on the Sunday evening after race!

The inevitable conclusion was that the group shot with Marko and Horner had most likely also been taken in Abu Dhabi on the Sunday evening, leading to speculation that Red Bull had actually sealed its deal with Perez well before its announcement on the Friday after the final event of the season.

But then why did Horner continue to entertain the doubt for several days, insisting the team was in the process of "analyzing the data" before making its final call on whether to keep Alex Albon or hire Perez?

Marko offered an explanation, denying a deal was signed and sealed with its new driver at the time the picture was taken.

"A photo has nothing to do with signing a contract," Marko told Motorsport.com.

"It was a social meeting and at that time, nothing was one hundred percent definite. We took the photo in case it became definite. Signatures can be done electronically these days."

Marko said he couldn't remember whether the picture had been taken on Sunday evening or Monday morning. But Perez's clothes likely provide the answer to that question, unless the Mexican is in the habit of wearing the attire two days in a row.

"I honestly don't remember exactly, it was a turbulent weekend," claimed an unconvincing Marko. "And the opportunity was there because, after all, we weren't allowed out of the hotel because of the COVID-19 regulations."

Marko admitted there were enough clues in the picture to allow the internet bloodhounds to trace the shot.

"Perez was wearing the same shirt as when Vettel handed over his helmet," he smiled. "That gave us away rather than the curtains."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

10 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

11 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

13 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

14 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

16 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

17 hours ago