Max Verstappen did not rule out the possibility of leaving Red Bull if Helmut Marko does as the Red Bull power struggle continues.
Verstappen cruised to a second win of the season and 56th of his career at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, cementing his status as title favourite against the backdrop of more intra-team power struggles.
Motorsport Advisor Marko was subject to rumours across the weekend that he was about to be suspended pending investigation, with RacingNews365 understanding that the team was prepared to take action after recent media leaks concerning the investigation into team boss Christian Horner.
Verstappen launched a full-throated defence of Marko, indicating that he would be prepared to walk away from the team if ally Marko left.
On race day in Jeddah, Marko's future was apparently sorted after talks with Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff to continue on for the time being.
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"I would say that what is most important is that we work together as a team and that everyone keeps the peace," Verstappen told media including RacingNews365 when asked if he would consider leaving Red Bull before his contract expires in 2028.
"I think that is what we can agree upon so hopefully from now onwards, that is fully the case and everyone is trying to focus in the same direction.
"I think the positive out of all of this is that it didn't hurt our performances, so it is a very strong team, also mentally, not just from the driver side, but the engineers, the mechanics and everyone is there do their jobs.
"Even when there is stuff going on or whatever, they're just very focused on their job as they should be."
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