Max Verstappen has for the first time publicly linked his future with Red Bull to the fate of Helmut Marko.
In a saga with more twists and twists then the Nürburgring’s daunting Nordschleife, the controversy surrounding Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has now extended to Marko, the energy drinks motorsport advisor.
On Friday in Saudi Arabia, while qualifying was in full swing, news emerged that Marko is under investigation by Red Bull for potential media leaks related to the ongoing probe into allegation of inappropriate behavior by Horner, claims for which he has since been cleared.
But the focus has now switched to Marko who acknowledged in an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF that he could face a suspension and be barred from attending upcoming races.
The 80-year-old is a revered figure within Red Bull and considered Verstappen's mentor. Unsurprisingly, the Dutchman reacted strongly to the latest development.
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Rumors of a "Marko clause" in Verstappen's contract, allowing him to leave if the Austrian departs, have swirled in recent days. Now, Verstappen himself confirms he's directly communicated his position to the team – his future hinges on what happens with Marko.
"I have a lot of respect for Helmut and what we have achieved together,” he said just minutes after claiming pole for this weekend’s Saudi Arabian GP.
"I have a lot of respect for Helmut and what we have achieved together.
"My loyalty to him is very big, and also I have always expressed this to everyone within the team, everyone high up, that he is an important part in my decision making for all the time in the future as well within the team.
"So, it is very important he stays within the team, including of course everyone else because it is a whole team effort."
Verstappen's statement goes beyond just defending Marko. It's a clear message to Red Bull management: they risk losing their star driver if they remove their long-standing motorsport advisor.
This unexpected twist intensifies the pressure on Red Bull to navigate this internal crisis swiftly and decisively.
A swift and clear resolution to the Marko investigation is no longer just about managing media scrutiny; it's about retaining their star driver and championship hopes.
"It is very important we keep the key people together because I feel 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. So yeah, for sure, for me, Helmut has to stay,” Verstappen added.
"He has built this team together with Dietrich [Mateschitz] 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, yeah, for sure, it's important that he stays part of the team, also for me."
In light of Friday’s development, there is no doubt that Mercedes boss Toto Wolff – in search for a replacement for Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton from 2025 – will be intensifying his monitoring of the situation, and considering his next step should things continue to escalate at Red Bull.
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