Max Verstappen defends Helmut Marko in Court agai…

JEDDAH—Max Verstappen, whose career has been supervised by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, mounted a forceful defense of the Austrian on March 8 in response to reports that the Austrian may face a potential suspension following the Christian Horner saga.

The three-time world champion insisted that his mentor, 80, must remain in his position when he spoke shortly after securing pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on March 9.

It is imperative that he remains a member of the squad, along with everyone else, as this is a team endeavor and it is critical that we retain the essential players together.

“I believe that it would not be beneficial for my circumstances if such a significant pillar were to collapse. In my opinion, Helmut must remain.

Marko had already told the Austrian network ORF that he was aware of a potential suspension, which is thought to be the result of him being the source of leaks to the media regarding Red Bull’s inquiry into team manager Horner’s behavior.

 

It’s a rather intricate issue. We want harmony throughout the squad once more. With 24 Grand Prix, this championship will be challenging enough, so we need to focus on that.

On March 7, Horner’s accuser—a female team member who said she had experienced “inappropriate behavior”—was suspended.

After an independent investigation, Red Bull cleared Horner, 50, who has vehemently disputed the allegations. That same day, he told reporters in Jeddah that it was “time to look forward and draw a line.”

“A complaint was filed, thoroughly examined, and ultimately rejected. We proceed forward,” he murmured.

But the new controversy surrounding Marko will only help to deepen the mystery surrounding the apparent power struggle at Red Bull.