Helmut Marko announces he will stay at Red Bull

The wind of panic that swept the paddock of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and more precisely in hospitality Red Bull Racing on the evening of Friday March 8, eased less than an hour before the start of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Since the end of qualifying, there have been strong rumors of a probable dismissal of Helmut Marko from the Red Bull sphere. Doctor Marko, a former distinguished pilot in the 1960s and 1970s, has indeed been involved in the strange affair surrounding Christian Horner for several weeks.

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On Friday evening, the position of the head of the Red Bull young driver sector seemed to be in an unfavorable position. But the person concerned wanted to provide very clear details: he should not be laid off any time soon.

“It was a very good discussion”, reveals Helmut Marko at the microphone of Sky. “Naturally, calm must return to the team. It's a priority. We agreed on all points. I will continue here. My contract still has three years. But calm must return. »

Helmut Marko also took the opportunity to express his sympathy towards Max Verstappen. The three-time reigning world champion publicly defended him against rumors of his dismissal: “I am very grateful to him. But he is one of the few who has strength of character and demonstrates loyalty.” 

“These leaks are completely absurd”, dismissed Helmut Marko as to any possible involvement on his part. “I already have trouble using my cell phone. I never saw any of those conversations.”