Max Verstappen says Helmut Marko “has to stay” at Red Bull and warns his own future decision-making will be impacted if the Austrian leaves.
Marko has cast doubt on his future as a Red Bull advisor, revealing he is part of an investigation from Red Bull GmbH – which RACER understands relates to the potential leaking of information regarding the Christian Horner allegations – and claiming he could be suspended or choose not to continue working for the company.
Recent reports have suggested Verstappen could have an exit clause in his contract that is activated if Marko departs, and the Dutchman hinted as such as he outlined his strong stance in support of the 80-year-old after taking pole position at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
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“From my side, I have a lot of respect for Helmut and what we have achieved together, it goes very far,” Verstappen said. “Of course my loyalty to him is very big. Also, I have always expressed this to everyone within the team, everyone high up, that he is an important part in my decision-making for all the time in the future within the team.”
While Verstappen acknowledged the importance of Red Bull’s senior leadership, he credits Marko with the creation of the current dominant force in Formula 1.
“It is very important that he stays within the team… Including of course everyone else, because it is a whole team effort,” he said. “It is very important that we keep the key people together because I feel like if such an important pillar falls away – that is also what I have said to the team; that is not good for my situation as well.
“For sure, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team together with Dietrich [Mateschitz, Red Bull founder] from day one and he has 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 also to loyalty and integrity. So for sure it is important he stays part of the team.”
Verstappen currently has a contract with Red Bull up to the end of the 2028 season, and has won three consecutive drivers’ championships with the team.