Max Verstappen has sent a clear warning to Red Bull following reports casting doubt on Helmut Marko’s future at the team.
Marko told Austrian media he may be suspended by Red Bull next week. It follows yesterday’s news Red Bull had suspended a member of staff whose allegations against Christian Horner prompted an investigation by the team.
Horner, who was cleared by the investigation, insisted the team remained united as he tried to draw a line under the story when he appeared before media at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit yesterday. But the tensions have been brought into the open by the Marko reports and Verstappen’s reaction to them, as he made it clear his future at the team rests on Marko remaining there.
“I have a lot of respect for Helmut and what we have achieved together goes very far,” said Verstappen. “My loyalty to him is very big.
“Also, I’ve always expressed this to everyone within the team, everyone high up, that he’s an important part in my decision-making for all the time in the future as well within the team. So it’s very important that he stays within the team, including, of course, everyone else, because it’s a whole team effort.”
Verstappen credited Marko for laying the foundations for the success of Red Bull’s 20-year-old team with its late founder, Dietrich Mateschitz.
“It’s very important that we keep the key people together, because I feel like if such an important pillar falls away, that’s also what I’ve said to the team, that is not good for my situation as well,” he continued. “So for me, Helmut has to stay, for sure.
“He has built this team together with Dietrich from day one, and he’s always been very loyal to the team, to everyone within the team, to make sure that everyone would keep their positions already from back in the day.
“I think it’s also very important, of course, that you give the man a lot of respect for what he has done. And that comes back also to loyalty, you know, and integrity. So for sure, it’s important that he stays part of the team also for me.”
Austrian broadcaster ORF also reported the staff member behind the allegations is bringing a case against Red Bull.
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