Marko Touched By Verstappen's Loyalty: 'One Of Few People Here Who Has Character'

Monday, 11 March 2024 at 13:45

Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko expressed gratitude to Max Verstappen for his loyalty amid the late controversy.

Helmut Marko's career was apparently on the line just a few days ago when he was about to meet with Red Bull's managing director, Oliver Mintzlaff, in Saudi Arabia.

The meeting was supposed to decide his future with the team, and fortunately, everything probably went well because the 80-year-old later stated he would remain with the team.

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He was accused of being the person who leaked information about the investigation to the media. However, Marko told Sky Sports Germany that's absurd.

"That I would have leaked the news is nonsense. I am already happy if I can half-use my mobile phone. I deliberately stayed out of it, that's absurd."

Amid all the drama, Red Bull Racing F1 driver Max Verstappen showed loyalty to Marko, telling the media he might follow if the Austrian had to depart the team.

That is a significant statement for a driver currently in the lucky position of driving the most dominant car on the grid and has much to accomplish in his career. Marko admitted the Dutchman's words surprised him very positively:

"That was very impressive and I am also very grateful to him. He is one of the few people here who has character and shows loyalty."

Marko played a key role in Verstappen's upbringing through the junior ranks to Formula 1 and helped the 26-year-old achieve his current status. The two enjoy a great relationship, and Verstappen really showed who he is when he stood up for his Austrian friend.

Right now, it seems the tense situation at Red Bull has stabilized, and the whole team will continue as it is without the departures of any significant people like Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen, or Christian Horner.