When Verstappen declared he would leave the world champions if motorsport advisor Helmut Marko was driven out, it raised questions about his future.
The 80-year-old Austrian Marko, who played a significant role in Verstappen’s career, is reportedly the subject of a Red Bull investigation as a result of the investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” against Christian Horner, according to the PA news agency.
Verstappen’s deal with Red Bull runs until 2028 and, when asked by the PA news agency ahead of Saturday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix if the Dutch driver will remain with the team, Mintzlaff replied: “Of course. He has a contract.
“Max is a great driver and hopefully we will win tonight. I am here just for racing. That’s it.
Earlier this week, Horner’s accuser, a woman, was suspended following Red Bull’s investigation that cleared the 50-year-old team principal.
Red Bull GmbH, the F1 team’s parent business, employs Marko.
When asked if he would face suspension after the race in Jeddah, he responded to the Austrian station ORF on Friday night by saying, “In the end, I’ll decide what I do.” There is always a theoretical chance.
But in a fresh twist, Marko said prior to Saturday’s race that he is confident he will be in Australia for the next round of the season on March 24.
“The conversation with Mintzalff was a very good one, said Marko. “I think everything is cleared.
“I will not be suspended. Our goal is to win the world championship. For that we will have to work hard.
PA has approached Red Bull Racing for comment.
“I have a lot of respect for Helmut, and what we have achieved together,” said Verstappen after putting his Red Bull on pole position for Saturday’s race.
It covers a great deal of ground. My devotion to him is immense, and I have always told everyone on the team, including the higher-ups, that he plays a crucial role in my future decision-making.
It’s critical that he stays put. I believe that if such a significant pillar disappears, which I have discussed with the team, it will also be detrimental to my own circumstances.
“Dietrich (Mateschitz), the late owner and founder of Red Bull, and Helmut established this squad together from the beginning, and he has always been very dedicated to the team.
Giving the man a great deal of respect for his actions is crucial, and it all stems from loyalty and honesty, thus it
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