Marko warns caution over potential Saudi F1 bid

Marko believes in culture clash

While admitting that the fact F1 attracting takeover interest was a “good sign,” Austrian Marko believed a culture clash with Saudi Arabia would prove a problem.

“It wouldn’t be so good if [F1] went to a country that is culturally different from where most of the races take place,” he was reported by RTL as saying, alluding to the predominantly European history of the sport.

“Generally, it is a commercial thing, and that’s more likely to happen with someone who meets normal corporate standards, if you want to put it that way.”

The long-time Red Bull driver boss also weighed in on the recent clamping down of drivers making political speeches and taking action by the FIA.

“That is clearly wrong and [drivers] are responsible citizens who are in the global public eye who know how and what they have to say,” he said.

“We are in a democratic society and everyone can express their opinion.”