Wolff: Marko has 'learned his lesson' after Perez insanity

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff believes Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko has "learned his lesson" after the storm regarding his comments related to Sergio Perez's F1 form.

Marko, who has helped oversee driver progression across Red Bull's motorsport landscape, suggested the Mexican's poor form this season was down to his 'South American' heritage and lack of focus - comments that were not only xenophobic but also inaccurate given Mexico is on the North American continent.

Red Bull GmbH and Marko issued an apology after social media backlash over the statement, which also drew criticism from members of the paddock, including Wolff and Lewis Hamilton.

Asked about this criticism by OE24, Wolff replied: "Such statements are insane in our time.

"They can't be excused even by his age. But I think he has learned his lesson."

Fair sportsman

Red Bull's Max Verstappen enters the Qatar Grand Prix weekend with the opportunity to seal his third consecutive Drivers' title in Saturday's Sprint race.

The Dutchman has set record after record across the past two seasons and asked whether he would send congratulations to Marko and the rest of the Red Bull team, Wolff insisted: "[I will send] congratulations via WhatsApp.

"Despite all the rivalry, you have to remain a fair sportsman.

"The car, the team, the driver - they are the benchmark, so congratulations are in order."