Max Verstappen considers leaving Red Bull as Helmut Marko faces potential suspension due to internal conflicts within the team
Sensationally, Max Verstappen has vowed to leave Red Bull if Helmut Marko, who could face a ban, is not allowed to stay on the team.
Another development in the ongoing drama surrounding the most successful F1 team is the possibility of Marko, a longtime motorsport advisor, receiving a suspension.
Red Bull is currently doing a follow-up inquiry into the numerous media leaks that have occurred over the past month or so, including the purportedly leaked WhatsApp conversations between Christian Horner and his female coworker, some of which contain explicit sexual content.The BBC continues, stating that Red Bull does in fact want to suspend the 80-year-old, who is Max and Jos's father's close ally.
Shortly after securing pole position in Saudi Arabia, three-time world champion Verstappen stated that his future with the team could be contingent upon Marko's standing.Verstappen stated, "I have told the team that it is not good for my situation if such an important pillar falls away."
"He plays a significant role in my future decision-making. Helmut has to stay in my opinion. I hold great admiration for him and our joint accomplishments. It covers a great deal of ground.
"He and Dietrich [Mateschitz] have been building this team since the beginning. Additionally, he has always been incredibly devoted to the group and to each member of the group, ensuring that everyone would maintain their places from the beginning."Naturally, I think it's crucial that you show the man a great deal of respect for what he has accomplished. And that also has to do with integrity and loyalty, you know. Therefore, it's crucial that he remains a member of the squad, in my opinion as well."
Marko stated to Austrian television ORF on Friday in response to a question about whether he would face a suspension: "To put it another way, it's hard to judge, or let's put it this way, ultimately, I'll decide for myself what I do." There is always a theoretical chance.
In addition, the 80-year-old expressed uncertainty about his attendance at the upcoming race in Australia, saying, "It's such a complex issue." We want harmony within the squad once more. With 24 races, this world championship will be challenging enough, so we must focus on that.
The most recent development follows Red Bull Racing's full-pay suspension of the female employee who accused Horner of "inappropriate behaviour"; the team principal was cleared following an internal probe.
Notwithstanding the friction that surfaced last weekend in Bahrain between Verstappen's father Jos and the F1 manager, Horner himself pleaded with everyone to "draw a line" under the situation.
The most prosperous time in Red Bull's history is being overshadowed by the division within the team, which pits Marko and the Verstappens against Horner and the Thai majority owner Chaleo Yoovidhya.
Verstappen is slated to start on pole for this Saturday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, followed by teammate Sergio Perez in third and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari in second.
Another development in the ongoing drama surrounding the most successful F1 team is the possibility of Marko, a longtime motorsport advisor, receiving a suspension.
Red Bull is currently doing a follow-up inquiry into the numerous media leaks that have occurred over the past month or so, including the purportedly leaked WhatsApp conversations between Christian Horner and his female coworker, some of which contain explicit sexual content.The BBC continues, stating that Red Bull does in fact want to suspend the 80-year-old, who is Max and Jos's father's close ally.
Shortly after securing pole position in Saudi Arabia, three-time world champion Verstappen stated that his future with the team could be contingent upon Marko's standing.Verstappen stated, "I have told the team that it is not good for my situation if such an important pillar falls away."
"He plays a significant role in my future decision-making. Helmut has to stay in my opinion. I hold great admiration for him and our joint accomplishments. It covers a great deal of ground.
"He and Dietrich [Mateschitz] have been building this team since the beginning. Additionally, he has always been incredibly devoted to the group and to each member of the group, ensuring that everyone would maintain their places from the beginning."Naturally, I think it's crucial that you show the man a great deal of respect for what he has accomplished. And that also has to do with integrity and loyalty, you know. Therefore, it's crucial that he remains a member of the squad, in my opinion as well."
Marko stated to Austrian television ORF on Friday in response to a question about whether he would face a suspension: "To put it another way, it's hard to judge, or let's put it this way, ultimately, I'll decide for myself what I do." There is always a theoretical chance.
In addition, the 80-year-old expressed uncertainty about his attendance at the upcoming race in Australia, saying, "It's such a complex issue." We want harmony within the squad once more. With 24 races, this world championship will be challenging enough, so we must focus on that.
The most recent development follows Red Bull Racing's full-pay suspension of the female employee who accused Horner of "inappropriate behaviour"; the team principal was cleared following an internal probe.
Notwithstanding the friction that surfaced last weekend in Bahrain between Verstappen's father Jos and the F1 manager, Horner himself pleaded with everyone to "draw a line" under the situation.
The most prosperous time in Red Bull's history is being overshadowed by the division within the team, which pits Marko and the Verstappens against Horner and the Thai majority owner Chaleo Yoovidhya.
Verstappen is slated to start on pole for this Saturday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, followed by teammate Sergio Perez in third and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari in second.