Max Verstappen has stated that any potential changes to the team’s senior management due to the current issues at Red Bull could lead him to consider his options outside the team.
This development follows the news that Helmut Marko is at risk of being suspended by the energy drink company amid a new investigation into information leaks to the media.
The investigation by the Austrian Red Bull company centres on the unauthorized dissemination of details from a confidential inquiry into team principal Christian Horner’s conduct, which occurred despite a supposed comprehensive media silence within the organization.
Although Marko is currently working for Red Bull and is in Saudi Arabia, he indicated to Austrian broadcaster ORF that there is a potential he might be suspended starting Monday, which could result in his absence from the upcoming Australian Grand Prix this month.
As the situation with Horner continues to unfold, Red Bull’s Verstappen has intensified the matter by making it clear he won’t stand for Marko’s departure from the team.
Recent speculations suggested Verstappen’s contract includes a provision that could free him if Marko exits. He has now confirmed that his continuation with the team is contingent on the outcome of this scenario.
Following his pole position win at the Jeddah circuit, when questioned about how Marko’s situation might affect his future, Verstappen expressed, “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 mentioned that potential alterations in the senior management team at Red Bull, resulting from the ongoing internal challenges, might prompt him to explore opportunities beyond the team.
“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.
“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.”
