Red Bull group CEO insists Max Verstappen will not leave crisis-hit team

Max Verstappen will not leave Red Bull, according to the crisis-hit Formula One team's group CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.

Verstappen cast doubt over his future when he claimed he will quit the world champions if motorsport adviser Helmut Marko is forced out.

It is understood that 80-year-old Austrian Marko, an instrumental figure in Verstappen's career, faces a Red Bull investigation following the probe into claims of "inappropriate behaviour" against Christian Horner.

Verstappen's deal with Red Bull runs until 2028 and, when asked by the PA news agency ahead of Saturday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix if the Dutch driver will remain with the team, Mintzlaff replied: "Of course. He has a contract.

"Max is a great driver and hopefully we will win tonight. I am here just for racing. That's it."

Horner's female accuser was suspended earlier this week as a direct result of Red Bull's inquiry which exonerated the 50-year-old team principal.

Marko is employed by the F1 team's parent company, Red Bull GmbH.

Asked if he could be suspended following the race in Jeddah, he told Austrian broadcaster ORF: "Ultimately, I'll decide for myself what I do. The theoretical possibility always exists."

Red Bull Racing has been approached for comment.

"I have a lot of respect for Helmut, and what we have achieved together," said Verstappen after putting his Red Bull on pole position for Saturday's race.

"It goes very far. My loyalty to him is very big, and I have always expressed this to everyone within the team, everyone high up, that he is an important part in my decision-making for the future.

"It is very important that he stays. I feel like if such an important pillar falls away, and I have told the team this, that it is not good for my situation as well.

"Helm