Marko has 'already' considered Red Bull exit

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has been "impressed" by how calm Max Verstappen has remained, amidst the recent turmoil surrounding the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

The rumblings at Red Bull began at the start of February, when the investigation into Red Bull Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner was confirmed over allegations of inappropriate behaviour - the case dismissed by Red Bull Gmbh.

Last weekend at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the saga took on a new chapter. Marko suggested he might be suspended by Red Bull GmbH, where he is under contract.

After clear support from Verstappen and a good conversation with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, the 80-year-old then revealed that he would not be suspended after all. Marko remains with the team, which has, for now, reduced the rumours surrounding Verstappen's future.

However, calm has not yet returned completely, Marko stressed in conversation with De Telegraaf.

"I do hope it will be resolved as soon as possible," Marko said.

"It hasn't been the most beautiful time, the past few weeks. At the end of the day, we are all here to help Max win and make sure he becomes perhaps the most successful driver of all time."

Marko already considered leaving

Whilst the turmoil off-track continues, Verstappen has been unfazed on-track, as proven by dominant displays in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The Dutchman has been caught up in the fallout and, with rumours of him leaving the team, Marko said: "What happens when Max is done with it? Then we will discuss that internally. But I'm sure a door will open for him everywhere," added the Austrian.

"Max closes himself off from everything. Handsome, but I was most impressed by the fact that in the closing stages in Saudi Arabia he didn't even ask what the fastest lap was, trying to improve it. He just wanted to drive safely to the finish. That's how relaxed he is right now."

Marko's exit scare wasn't the first time he has been close to leaving Red Bull: "I was already thinking about leaving at the end of last season.

"But I think we should also think about team founder Dietrich Mateschitz and his legacy, what his ideas were and where it has taken us. We owe that to him, but I also see it as a kind of respect to an incredibly great personality."