Mexico City /
Given the controversy that arose after an image of Sergio Pérez with the Red Bull headHelmut Marko from the team has come out to provide an explanation, especially as the image appeared to have been taken before the arrival of the Mexican driver was made official, confirming to many that Checo Pérez already had an agreement.
The Red Bull team informed Checo Pérez on December 18 that he would be its new driver to replace Alex Albon. Right after the end of the season in Abu Dhabi and shortly after the information became official.
The image that sparked the controversy was published by Cristian Horner, head of Red Bull, who took the photo together with Checo Pérez and adviser Helmut Marko. However, several details revealed that the photo was taken in Abu Dhabi by Checo Pérez’s clothing.
“A photo has nothing to do with signing a contract,” Marko explains on the Motorsport.com site. “It was a pleasant get-together and at that moment nothing was 100 percent definitive. We took the photo in case it became final. Today, signatures can be done electronically. “
He added that he didn’t remember the moment of the photo, whether it was Sunday night when the season ended or Monday morning when the change was official. ‘I really don’t remember exactly. It was a hectic weekend”.