Verstappen devotes loyalty to Marko in latest Red Bull saga twist

Max Verstappen insists that Helmut Marko must remain in post as Red Bull Motorsport Advisor following claims of a possible suspension.

Just before qualifying in Saudi Arabia, news broke that Marko is facing a possible ban by Red Bull, with RacingNews365 understanding a possible reason being leaks to the media that allowed the Red Bull GmbH investigation into the conduct of Christian Horner to become public knowledge.

Horner's accuser was suspended by Red Bull Racing on full pay on Thursday.

Addressing his potential suspension, Marko explained to ORF that "the theoretical possibility is there, whether you want it or not?" but that "in the end, it's up to me to decide what to do."

Verstappen stormed to pole in Jeddah, and when presented with the suggestion of Marko being suspended, the Dutchman launched into a full-throated defence of the veteran Austrian and his position within the team.

"From my side, I have a lot of respect for Helmut, and what we have achieved together, it goes very far," Verstappen told media including RacingNews365 after earning pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

"My loyalty to him is very big and I have always expressed this to everyone within the team, everyone high up that he is an important part in my decision-making for the future within the team.

"It is very important that he stays within the team, including of course everybody else because it is a team effort and it is very important that we keep the key people together.

"Because I feel like if such an important pillar falls away, what I have said to the team, that is not good for my situation as well.

"For me, Helmut has to stay and he built this team together with Dietrich [Mateschitz] from day one and he's always been very loyal to the team, to everyone within the team to make sure that everyone would keep their positions from back in the day.

"I think it is also very important that you give the man a lot of respect for what he has done, and that comes back to loyalty and integrity, so it is important that he stays part of the team."