Max Verstappen says that it is important for Red Bull to “keep the peace” moving forward following reports Helmut Marko will not be suspended following talks with shareholder Oliver Mintzlaff.
Stories emerged yesterday that Marko was reportedly being investigated regarding leaks to the media following the prior investigation into allegations made against Team principal Christian Horner – with the advisor’s future within the team in doubt.
Verstappen was asked what a Marko departure would mean for him in the team on Friday, to which he said the Austrian is “an important part in my decision-making for all the time in the future.”
But after a meeting with Mintzlaff on Saturday morning, Marko spoke with Sky Germany to cool speculation regarding a potential departure from the Red Bull setup.
“It was a very good conversation,” he said.
“Of course, calm must return to the team. That has priority. We agreed on all points. I will continue here.
“My contract still has three years to run. But calm must return.”
With Marko’s future certain for the time being, Red Bull can be hopeful that star driver Verstappen feels comfortable to see through the end of his contracted tenure to 2028.
Verstappen’s father Jos has claimed Horner remaining at Red Bull “is not good for the team,” and has been seen speaking with Toto Wolff, sparking rumour the reigning World Champion could sacrifice the chance for more titles in a shock switch to Mercedes.
In Saturday’s post-race press conference, Verstappen hopes the Red Bull team can all pull in the same direction moving forward.
“I always said that what is most important is that we work together as a team, that everyone you know keeps the peace and that’s what we I think all agree on within the team ” he said when asked about the latest Marko development.
“So hopefully from now that is also fully the case and everyone is trying to focus in the same direction.”
These comments came after a crushing one-two victory for Red Bull in Saudi Arabia, led by Verstappen, 18s ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in third.
Verstappen commented that whilst all the turmoil has been going on behind the scenes at Red Bull, it’s good that performances on track haven’t been affected.
“I think the positive out of all this is that it didn’t hurt our performances,” he said.
“So it’s a very strong team. I think also mentally, what you can see from, not only the driver side, but also mechanics, engineers, everyone is there to do their job.
“Even when there is stuff going on or whatever, they’re just very focused on their job as they should be.”
