Marko: "I won't stand in the way" if Verstappen wishes to leave Red Bull

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has insisted he will not stand in Max Verstappen's way should the Dutchman wish to leave for pastures new.

The three-time world champion continued the dominance seen last season with a winning margin of over 22 seconds to teammate Sergio Perez in F1's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix last weekend, though it was overshadowed by matters off track.

Team principal Christian Horner had been under investigation by parent company Red Bull GmbH over allegations of inappropriate behaviour, though this case was dismissed on the eve of the first weekend.

But an anonymous email source delivered alleged evidence to Horner's rival team principals, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and members of the media to rekindle the flames.

Verstappen to leave?

Since then, the crisis has continued to escalate with Verstappen's father Jos suggesting tensions could "explode" if Horner remains in position.

One rumour to have developed in the fallout is that Verstappen could move away from Red Bull despite the on-track success the partnership has enjoyed, with it being indicated to RacingNews365 that a break clause exists should Marko himself leave.

Speaking to F1-Insider, Marko addressed the ongoing tensions within the Red Bull camp: “The internal investigations have been completed. I won’t say anything more about it.

"As far as I’m concerned, I won’t stand in Max’s way [should he decide to leave].”