Helmut Marko Criticizes FIA’s Uneven Penalties: ‘Strange’ Leniency Towards Hamilton at 2020 British GP vs. Harsh Grid Penalty for Perez in Spain

Helmut Marko finds it odd that Lewis Hamilton wasn't penalized after winning the 2020 British Grand Prix despite having a puncture.

Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull motorsport, has expressed doubts about the decision to impose a three-place grid penalty on Sergio Perez for the forthcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Formula 1.

Perez will face a penalty at the Barcelona race due to driving his severely damaged Red Bull car back to the pits following a late-race crash in the chaotic and rainy Canadian Grand Prix last weekend.

Red Bull received a €25,000 fine after acknowledging that they instructed Perez to return to the pits on his own to prevent a Safety Car period, as Max Verstappen, his teammate, was leading the race at that time.

In his recent article for Speedweek, Marko reminisced about Lewis Hamilton's victory on three wheels after a late tire blowout during the 2020 British Grand Prix, and he wondered why the Mercedes driver did not face any penalties then.

The 82-year-old Austrian mentioned that Perez received a three-place grid penalty for the Spanish race because he drove his damaged car to the pits in Montreal instead of stopping it on the track.

"I believe the penalty is overly severe, given that in a race with changing conditions, it's essential to return your car, particularly when the extent of the damage isn't immediately obvious."

Perez had obstructed rear-view mirrors, preventing him from seeing behind him. However, our data indicated that the suspension was functioning properly.

"Naturally, our goal is to return the car to the track and ideally compete for points once more. The race officials later stated that pieces of his vehicle had detached."

"I recall an instance when Lewis Hamilton won a race at Silverstone despite finishing on just three wheels. Interestingly, he wasn't penalized at that time."

Max Verstappen secured his sixth win of the season in Montreal, further solidifying his lead in the world championship standings.

"Marko remarked that the triumph in Montreal was largely due to what he refers to as the 'Verstappen factor.' He noted that Max Verstappen's unique abilities were crucial in securing a victory in a race that many other drivers likely wouldn't have been able to win."

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