Max Verstappen has stressed his position that if Helmut Marko wants to stay at Red Bull, he “must” stay at Red Bull, and said the team understands this.
Verstappen's pole position was overshadowed by news that Marko is facing an internal investigation by Red Bull's parent company Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg as Red Bull's off-track problems continue in Saudi Arabia.
Max Verstappen's clear stance: he has to stay for me, for sure
Just over a week after Christian Horner was acquitted following an investigation into his alleged actions, Marko is at the forefront of the investigation.
PlanetF1.com notes that this investigation relates to various leaks made to the media since the start of the Horner investigation, including leaks of emails purporting to contain relevant information. I understand.
There were rumors that he could be suspended by Red Bull, and a motorsport advisor told Austrian TV station ORF, “It's hard to judge, or I'll say this, but in the end it's up to me.'' I'll decide,” he said. i will do it.
“There's always a theoretical possibility. I think it's a very complex problem.
“Again, we want peace for the team. This World Championship is going to be difficult enough with 24 races, but we have to focus on it.”
However, any action against Marko could have huge repercussions for Red Bull, with triple world champion Verstappen, who is rumored to be involved in Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes seat amid the Red Bull dispute, saying Marko is I have to stay,” he said.
“Helmut and I have a lot of respect for each other,” he told Sky Sports. “My loyalty to Red Bull is huge, but also to what he has done for me.
“I've always said to the whole team, especially after Dietrich's passing, that it's very important to keep the core team together. That's how we've performed so well. Yes, and that's how we will perform very well in the future.” they know it.
“For me, Helmut is a very important factor in that respect and he definitely has to stay with me.”
Asked if he needed to stay to ensure Marko fulfilled his contract with Red Bull, Verstappen said: “I've always said that to the team, they know that.” he said.
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Marko's departure could be something 'crazy' for Verstappen
But when asked about his future ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Verstappen said it would take something “really crazy” to leave a championship-winning team.
When asked if Marco's situation could get that crazy, he replied: That's crazy. Let's wait and see.
“Let's see if anything happens next week.”
He added: “I think he built this team from the ground up with Dietrich's blessing, always had good relationships with a lot of people in the team, supported key people, supported them in important moments.'' ” he added.
“He is definitely an important member for the future.”
Marko is scheduled to meet with Red Bull GmbH CEO Oliver Mintzlaff on Saturday to discuss his future.
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