Following another impressive qualifying round, Max Verstappen, the Red Bull ‘Flying Dutchman,’ is once again in the driving seat to clinch the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. At the same time, another Red Bull figure, Helmut Marko, is in the vulnerable spot of an ongoing investigation.
Amidst both of these events, Max Verstappen has shared a stunning remark on the ongoing investigation against Helmut Marko.
Max Verstappen talks on possible Red Bull exit
In a post-qualifying press conference on Friday (08/03/2024), Max Verstappen opened up on his views about Helmut Marko, who’s rumored to be under investigation for allegedly leaking Christian Horner’s text messages, possibly leaving the Austrian-based team.
During an interview with Sky Sports, Verstappen hinted that the departure of Helmut Marko would also put his future with Red Bull in doubts, as the scenario would be ‘problematic.’
“Without him in the team there will be a problem, also for me of course. I have always had a lot of trust in Helmut and that is the case on both sides,” Max said.
“What he has together with Dietrich [Mateschitz] is allowed. Don’t forget it either. He deserves a lot of respect for that. He’s a very important part of the entire team,” Max added.
“Absolutely,” Verstappen replied when asked if he would support Marko or not. “We’ll talk about that, of course. I’ve said every year – and everyone at Red Bull knows this – that for me, Helmut always has to be there.”
The interviewer also pressed on the scenario of what the 80-year-old Austrian’s departure would mean, to which he replied by quoting, “Then we might have a big problem in the team.”
Max Verstappen’s strong words come after Helmut Marko revealed that he could suspended by the Austrian team.
Helmut Marko under investigation for media leak
Earlier in the day, Helmut Marko addressed the rumor that he could be ‘suspended’ following an internal investigation by Red Bull regarding the events that unfolded after Christian Horner was cleared of the charges.
In an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF, Marko was questioned on the truth of the ‘suspension’ rumors, to which he replied, saying, “In the end it’s up to me to decide what to do, but the theoretical possibility [of leaving the team] exists. But this is a difficult question. I have another conversation with my superior tomorrow, and then, we’ll see.”
“But everything has to be right so that I want to continue working here. We want peace in the team,” he added.
“We want peace in the team, the World Cup will be difficult enough with 24 races, and we have to concentrate on that,” Marko concluded, by emphasizing.
If Helmut Marko does leave, Max Verstappen will be accompanied by him one last time at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which will play out today at 10 AM (USA time).
Does Red Bull really have the guts to fire Marko and anger their Champion? Will Verstappen follow Marko out of the Red Bull doors? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
