Verstappen defends Marko as Bearman grabs shock chance - RacingNews365 Review

Marko's suspension

Just before qualifying in Jeddah, news filtered through that Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko was facing possible suspension.

RacingNews365 understands that the possible suspension to do with leaks to the media concerning the recent investigation into Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner.

Marko addressed the threat of suspension to ORF.

READ MORE: Marko facing possible Red Bull suspension

Verstappen's defence

After claiming pole position in Jeddah, Max Verstappen was asked about Marko's suspension and what it could possibly mean for him.

Verstappen is incredibly loyal to Marko and strongly hinted that his own future at the team depended on the veteran Austrian staying in post.

READ MORE: Verstappen devotes loyalty to Marko in latest Red Bull saga twist

Bearman's surprise

Oliver Bearman was expecting to line up on pole for the Formula 2 feature race this weekend and kick-start his season - but those plans have changed.

He is now making his Grand Prix debut this weekend in place of Carlos Sainz who had to withdraw on Friday morning with appendicitis.

Bearman was 10th fastest in FP3, and came within 0.036s of making it into Q3 and dumping out Lewis Hamilton of all people.

Providing he does actually start the Grand Prix, Bearman will become the third youngest driver of all-time, only older than Verstappen and Lance Stroll.

Reflecting on qualifying 11th for his first Grand Prix, Bearman admitted the 'stars had aligned.'

READ MORE: Bearman: 'Stars have aligned' for Ferrari F1 debut

Audi update

Ever since Audi announced it was entering F1 at the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix, there has been talk of it trying to find ways to maybe not actually join the grid.

However, before qualifying, the expected news of Audi's confirmation of its plans to acquire the whole of Sauber came through.

Audi has appointed Andreas Seidl as CEO of its F1 programme - an expected decision after the ex-McLaren Team Principal opted to join Sauber ahead of 2023 in preparation for Audi's 2026 arrival.

READ MORE: Audi confirm complete Sauber F1 takeover