Formula 1 – Saudi Arabia GP: Live timings and updates as Red Bull look to put off-track controversies surrounding Christian Horner and Helmut Marko to one side with Max Verstappen on pole, while Ollie Bearman, 18, starts 11th

All drivers have now arrived before the parade.

We have already spotted Lewis Hamilton, Oliver Bearman and Charles Leclerc, with Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Ocon also in the paddock.

It’s now just under two hours before lights out!

Christian Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell is also in Saudi Arabia.

The couple continues to show their unity very publicly, despite Horner being dragged into a texting scandal in recent weeks.

Halliwell, a former Spice Girl, was also in Bahrain last week.

She made her way past the waiting cameras before entering Red Bull’s hospitality suite – and she may return later for the podium ceremony.

Helmut Marko has reported for duty in the paddock in Saudi Arabia.

He entered accompanied by Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.

Of course, there are plenty of rumors that he might be cut by the team. Let’s see what he has to say to the media later.

Could this be his last race weekend for Red Bull?

According to reports, Christian Horner is confident Max Verstappen will honor his Red Bull contract despite speculation about his future.

The employee at the center of Horner’s scandal has been suspended, with Mail Sport revealing she was told her evidence was ‘dishonest’.

Ahead of today’s race, Verstappen was linked with an exit after failing to publicly back his under-fire team boss.

His father Jos was seen in conversation with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who will have a seat available next year once Lewis Hamilton leaves.

But Horner is optimistic about the prospect of retaining Verstappen.

Carlos Sainz has undergone surgery for appendicitis and is on the mend.

I’m sure he’ll be watching from his hospital bed tonight.

Oliver Bearman is his stand-in and was brilliant this weekend.

Lando Norris has wished Sainz well, saying: “Get well soon, buddy.”

A speedy recovery from all of us, Carlos.

Oliver Bearman’s father appeared concerned as he watched his son compete in yesterday’s qualifying session with Ferrari.

The 18-year-old came inches from contacting a wall on the unforgiving circuit. Just one bump could have led to a major crash.

His father, David, stood in front of the monitors in the Ferrari garage and his emotions were visible at every turn.

Bearman replaced Carlos Sainz, who underwent surgery for appendicitis. We will provide an update on Sainz very soon.

After the session, Bearman’s father told Sky Sports: ‘I’m extremely proud. He did a good job and did a great job.”

Oliver Bearman, who will race for Ferrari today, has arrived in the paddock. It’s no surprise that he was looking on top of the world.

What a performance from him yesterday by the way.

He was called up at the last minute as a replacement for Carlos Sainz and qualified P11 in a car he had barely touched.

That’s real talent! Let’s see what he can do today.

Max Verstappen could even be free to walk away from Red Bull after Helmut Marko admitted he could be banned in the near future.

Mail Sport’s Jonathan McEvoy recently revealed that the three-time king of the world has an astonishing break clause in his contract.

This clause allows him to quit if his ally Marko leaves.

The future of both men is in doubt as the ongoing Christian Horner texting scandal continues.

Mercedes, it may be said, will get a free seat next year…

What a story this could be.

Max Verstappen has openly threatened to leave Red Bull if Helmut Marko, his mentor, is forced out due to the scandal that has engulfed the sport.

Marko is facing possible disciplinary action and told Austrian broadcaster ORF there was a chance he would not be in Australia on March 24.

Mail Sport understands the latest twist concerns allegations he leaked incriminating evidence against team boss Christian Horner.

But Verstappen cannot accept that Marko is leaving.

Below you can read the world champion’s full statements.

Formula 1 is at the center of a raging storm in Saudi Arabia.

Simply put, Red Bull seems to have imploded in the past two weeks.

First, Christian Horner faced an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior by a female employee.

The charges were later dismissed.

The woman, who has not been named, was subsequently suspended.

And it has now emerged that Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, a close ally of Max Verstappen, will face disciplinary action.

According to the BBC, the team’s plan was to suspend Marko.

But of course our attention is also on the drama on track and we will have all the updates and build-up to tonight’s blockbuster here.