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
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…
Verstappen threatens to quit
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.
Good afternoon
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.
Important updates
Halliwell in Jeddah
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