Checo Pérez surprises by pointing out a good relationship with Helmut Marko: "He has two personalities."

During his time at Red Bull Racing , one of the most persistent narratives surrounding Sergio "Checo" Pérez was the alleged poor relationship with Helmut Marko , the Austrian team's sporting advisor. However, the Guadalajara-born driver recently surprised fans by denying rumors of friction and revealing that he maintains a good personal relationship with the controversial manager, whom he described as someone with "two personalities."

In an interview for the podcast Desde el Paddock , Checo was emphatic in separating Marko's public image in the media from his private image. "Helmut is two people: the one in the press and the one in person," he said, alluding to the fact that the Austrian is usually much friendlier off the record.

What caught the most attention in Pérez's statements was his assertion that Marko has a deep affection for Mexico , to the point of planning to retire there. "He loves Mexico, he goes to Tulum a lot, he loves it. He's going to retire in this country, I have no doubt about that," the driver affirmed.

This fact has been revealing for many fans, considering that Marko has been one of the Red Bull members who has most publicly criticized Checo's performance, especially in comparison to his teammate, the Dutchman Max Verstappen.

Despite his sharp comments to the press , Pérez insisted that Marko behaves very differently on a personal level. This revelation puts into perspective the complexity of the relationship between a driver and the management of an elite team, where media pressure and sporting results often distort reality.

Helmut Marko has been a controversial figure in Formula 1 , known for his direct style and his lack of concessions when speaking. He has not only been harsh on Pérez, but also on other drivers in the Red Bull program, such as Pierre Gasly, Daniil Kvyat, and Alexander Albon.

However, his influence within the team is undeniable . He was the right-hand man of the late Dietrich Mateschitz, founder of Red Bull, and has been responsible for fostering talents such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. His role goes far beyond consulting: he is a strategist, driver trainer, and key figure in the brand's sporting development .

In this context, Checo's words serve to humanize a figure often seen as ruthless , and nuance the public's perception of his character. "There were definitely two versions of him," Pérez repeated, insisting that the real relationship was far from the image projected in interviews and press conferences.

Although Pérez is no longer with Red Bull, Marko's recent comments about him continue to surface , suggesting that the bond between the two hasn't entirely disappeared. Some of his remarks have even been interpreted as innuendo or disguised praise, leading to new interpretations of the true dynamic between the two .

In a sport where diplomacy and competition coexist, Checo's statements offer insight into how relationships are built and rebuilt at the top of motorsports. Unlike what one might expect after years of public friction, the Mexican's vision paints a more balanced and personal picture , where the team's interests don't always reflect personal emotions.

Checo Pérez's confession not only surprises, but also changes the narrative surrounding one of the most discussed duos in recent years in F1 . Away from the spotlight, statements, and controversies, what's clear is that Formula 1 is also made up of human relationships , often more complex and contradictory than the headlines show.