FIA sends written warning to Marko over Perez comments

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The FIA has issued a warning to Helmut Marko following the Austrian's recent comments made on Sergio Perez, reminding the Red Bull motorsport boss of the governing body's code of ethics.

Speaking on Servus TV after a day after the Italian Grand Prix, Marko addressed the difficulties encountered by Perez this year and claimed that the Red Bull driver's "South American" origins were part of the problem.

"We know that he has problems in qualifying," Marko stated. "He has fluctuations in form, he is South American and he is just not as completely focused in his head as Max is or as Sebastian."

Marko's remarks predictably led to a massive backlash on social media that eventually forced the Red Bull chief to issue a formal apology.

Read also: Perez accepts personal apology from Marko: 'We move on'

The Austrian also held a private conversation with Perez in which he apologized to the Mexican driver for his "offensive" words, with Perez accepting Marko's offering of remorse, insisting he took no offence from the latter's clumsy commentary.

The FIA has now confirmed that it sent Marko a written warning in the wake of his derogatory comments.

"We can confirm that Helmut Marko has received a written warning and been reminded of his responsibilities as a public figure in motorsport in line with the FIA Code of Ethics," the FIA stated.

In Singapore, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner explained why the team had not issued its own statement on Marko's posture

"Firstly those comments were, they weren't right. Helmut quickly recognised that and apologised for that both publicly and directly to Sergio," Horner explained.

"He spoke directly to Sergio about it and I think you're always learning in life, even at 80 years of age, and inevitably lessons have been learned.

"He's not an employee of Red Bull Racing so in terms of why didn't we put out a statement, he's part of the Red Bull wider group and the Group issued that apology through the Servus TV channel.

"We've spoken about it, I know he regrets what he said."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.