F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Marko no longer in jeopardy after crisis talks with Red Bull CEO

Helmut Marko has affirmed that his position within Red Bull is no longer in jeopardy following a meeting with Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix paddock.

Marko's future with Red Bull was shrouded in uncertainty on Friday evening following reports that the Austrian was the subject of an internal investigation by the energy drink company.

The crux of the matter reportedly involved alleged leaks to the media of confidential information surrounding the investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

Saudi Arabian GP poleman Max Verstappen reacted strongly to the news, suggesting that his future with the championship winning team would be called into question if Marko was sidelined from Red Bull.

Read also: Jos Verstappen no longer expects Horner to exit Red Bull

However, a sigh of relief came for the 80-year-old after a crisis meeting in Jeddah with Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Marko confirmed his future at Red Bull was secure, indicating a resolution to the internal investigation in his favor.

"[Horner and I] have worked together for 19 years, but things have to be solved," Marko told the media in Jeddah after arriving in the paddock flanked by Mintzlaff.

"[I had] a very good meeting [with Mintzlaff] and I think everything is clear. We had a discussion after these rumours were spread out and [they had] no legal background.

"If someone has this wish or idea [to suspend me], it has no legal basis.

"Our goal is to win the championship for the fourth time with Max, and for that, we all have to work together.

"Toto Wolff says contracts don't mean a lot in Formula 1, and I was really thankful at how loyal [Verstappen] is and I can only say that I was impressed and thankful."

Mintzlaff speaking to German publication BILD, confirmed the positive outcome of his face-to-face meeting with marko.

"We had a good conversation with Helmut but we want to focus on the sport and get our second victory of the season. We don't want to talk about HR topics in front of the whole world," said the Red Bull executive.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.