- Marko told an Austrian broadcaster that he might not attend the Australian GP
- The 80-year-old said there was even a possibility he could be suspended
- Verstappen, who has been linked with Mercedes, is convinced Marko should ‘stay’
Max Verstappen has threatened to leave Red Bull if his mentor Helmut Marko is forced out in the scandal that has engulfed Formula 1.
The world championship-winning team appears more divided than ever over the fact that Marko, the company’s motorsport consultant, faces possible disciplinary action in yet another investigation.
Marko told Austrian broadcaster ORF that there was a chance he would not be present at the next race in Australia on March 24.
The 80-year-old cryptically said there is even a “possibility” he could be suspended on Monday. According to another rumor, he will be fired.
It is understood the latest commotion concerns allegations that he leaked incriminating evidence against team boss Christian Horner, who was acquitted of coercive behavior towards a female colleague.
Helmut Marko (right) faces disciplinary action after being accused of leaking incriminating evidence against team boss and Geri Halliwell’s husband Christian Horner
Max Verstappen has sensationally threatened to quit if Helmut Marko is forced to leave Red Bull
Marko revealed to Austrian broadcaster OBF that there was a chance he would not be at the next race in Australia
The woman who filed the complaint was suspended earlier this week.
But Verstappen, Red Bull’s main asset, will not accept Marko leaving, which increases the chances of him moving to Mercedes. The three-time world champion said: ‘If such an important pillar disappears, it is not good for my situation and I have said that to the team. He is an important part of 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 late founder of the energy drink company).”
Once again, Verstappen did not refer to Horner, who was hit last week by leaked WhatsApp messages that allegedly revealed sexually suggestive conversations with his female colleague.