Why Verstappen’s Red Bull F1 fate is tied to Marko’s

Marko and Red Bull director Oliver Mintzlaff are set for key talks on the matter on Saturday ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Marko is at risk of being suspended or even removed from his position, but in the post-qualifying press conference in Jeddah Verstappen firmly drew a line in the sand saying that the Austrian’s fate at the team will have an influence on his own future.

“I’ve always clearly indicated that he has to stay, so I can’t continue without him,” Verstappen said.

“Helmut is very important for the team and for me to continue, for the future of the team.

“Everyone has his own role, which is the way it’s always been. And of course, after Dietrich Mateschitz’s death, some of those tasks were split up.

“I’ve always indicated that Helmut has to stay for the future, as long as he’s alive. I’ve always been very clear about that, like last year after Qatar. And I hope that doesn’t change.”

The rift between Marko and Horner has seemingly descended into a battle for control of the world-champion outfit.

“I think it’s a bit too late for that now,” he told the Daily Mail while competing at the Hannut Rally in Belgium.

“If that’s what he wants, fine, but I don’t think it will be possible. I don’t want to talk too much more as it will create problems.

“But the most important thing for me is that Max is happy, that’s what counts for me, I just want him to be happy.”

The Verstappen camp’s comments could be bluff, but more likely is that they are firm indications that the 26-year-old has clauses in his contract that could see him jump ship before its 2028 end date if one or more key “pillars” of the team were to leave, including Marko.

Helmut Marko, Consultant, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

“I’m also part of this trajectory. I signed until 2028, so it’s very important that certain pillars remain in place,” he explained.

“At the end of the day, it’s about relationships within the team and communication. If things that are very important to you disappear in the team, it would be an unworkable situation if that were to happen.”

When asked if Marko and Horner can both continue to co-exist at the team or if the damage is irreparable, Verstappen chose diplomacy.

“I’ve always…