08 March 2024 , 20:41
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Max Verstappen has threatened to quit Red Bull Racing if team advisor Helmut Marko is forced out.
The 80-year-old is Verstappen's mentor and he recently admitted he could be suspended by Red Bull amid the ongoing fallout of the Christian Horner scandal. Horner was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague, but cleared of any wrongdoing after an independent investigation last week.
However, the scandal has showed no signs of dying down with Verstappen's father Jos and now Marko all involved. When asked by Austrian broadcaster ORF about a rumour he could be suspended ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix later this month, Marko admitted that the "theoretical possibility exists".
He said: "I'll put it this way, it's difficult to judge, or let's put it this way, ultimately, I'll decide for myself what I do. The theoretical possibility always exists. I think it's such a complex issue. Again, we want peace in the team.
"This world championship will be difficult enough with 24 races and we have to concentrate on that. The most important thing is that we get back to the sporting side of things, and that the team concentrates on what is important. That's working quite well at the moment."
Pierre Gasly was allowed to leave AlphaTauri due to worries over his F1 future
Reports have claimed that Verstappen has a break clause in his contract that would allow him to quit Red Bull if Marko departs, despite the Dutchman being under contract with the team until 2028.
And when asked about Marko's comments, Verstappen revealed he has told Red Bull that Marko "has to stay" involved. "If such an important pillar falls away, it is not good for my situation and I have told the team that," Verstappen said.
Verstappen has threatened to quit Red Bull if Marko departs (Clive Rose/Getty Images)"He is an important part in my decision-making for the future. For me, Helmut has to stay. I have a lot of respect for him, and what we have achieved together. It goes very far. He built this team with Dietrich (Mateschitz)."
The latest drama comes after Verstappen secured pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. He won the opening Grand Prix of the season in Bahrain last week and remains the hot favourite to win a fourth consecutive world title this year.
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