Marko compares Verstappen's swearing to Steiner "No consequences"

According to the 81-year-old Austrian, the FIA took the wrong turn in punishing Verstappen, as it was a swear word that "can be heard so often that it practically belongs to everyday language". To his credit, the three-time world champion reacted himself. At the press conference on Saturday afternoon, he gave very short answers each time in protest.

"I thought Max's reaction was very good, as he made clear within the allowed limits - with very short words - at the press conference what he thought about it," Marko complimented his driver. "You have to allow the emotions. Or if you are so moralistic, you can ignore the statements in question. In general, Formula 1 is an emotionally charged sport in which drivers express their emotions according to their temperament."

Comparsion to Gunther Steiner

Marko also drew comparisons to the former Haas team principal Gunther Steiner in his column for speedweek.com. Steiner was well known for his swearing during his time in the sport, which was highlighted by Netflix's Drive to Survive. "I think that the yardstick is different when you look at what Günther Steiner did, for example, without any consequences. The whole thing is clearly exaggerated and ridiculous." Marko admitted, whilst also admitting that teams have different concerns. 

Less swearing and cursing

As such, Marko finds FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem's call for drivers to curse less often a bit silly. He warns - as Max Verstappen did earlier - that it should all stay fun and not add too many rules.

"It [too many rules] should not take away the drivers' enjoyment. Max wants to have fun in the sport he practices. I myself am also in favour of the old English saying 'let them race'."

This article was written in collaboration with Corwin Kunst.