Max Verstappen will not leave Red Bull, according to the crisis-hit Formula One team’s group CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.
Verstappen cast doubt over his future when he claimed he will quit the world champions if motorsport adviser Helmut Marko is forced out.
The PA news agency understands 80-year-old Austrian Marko, an instrumental figure in Verstappen’s career, faces a Red Bull investigation following the probe into claims of “inappropriate behaviour” against Christian Horner.
“Max is a great driver and hopefully we will win tonight. I am here just for racing. That’s it.”
Horner’s female accuser was suspended earlier this week as a direct result of Red Bull’s inquiry which exonerated the 50-year-old team principal.
Marko is employed by the F1 team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH.
Asked if he could be suspended following the race in Jeddah, he told Austrian broadcaster ORF on Friday night: “Ultimately, I’ll decide for myself what I do. The theoretical possibility always exists.”
“The conversation with Mintzalff was a very good one, said Marko. “I think everything is cleared.
“I will not be suspended. Our goal is to win the world championship. For that we will have to work hard.”
PA has approached Red Bull Racing for comment.
“I have a lot of respect for Helmut, and what we have achieved together,” said Verstappen after putting his Red Bull on pole position for Saturday’s race.
“It is very important that he stays. I feel like if such an important pillar falls away, and I have told the team this, that it is not good for my situation as well.
“Helmut built this team together with (Red Bull’s late owner and founder) Dietrich (Mateschitz) from day one, and he’s always been very loyal to the team.
“It is 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.”
