Max Verstappen Reacts to Red Bull Exit Speculation in Formula 1 With 'Diplomatic Response'

• Red Bull Racing have been plagued by a number of controversies since the start of the season
• Lead driver, Max Verstappen, recently hinted at the possibility of leaving the Milton Keynes outfit
• The Dutch driver has provided a response to his initial statement following his victory at the Saudi GP

While Red Bull Racing has showcased brilliance on the track during the early stages of the 2024 Formula 1 season, their off-track performance has left much to be desired.

The Milton Keynes-based team has grappled with a tumultuous array of issues and unsettling allegations involving key personnel.

Tensions escalated prior to the pre-season testing in Sakhir, with CEO and Team Principal, Christian Horner, facing investigation over an alleged inappropriate exchange with a female staff member.

Although the team has remained tight-lipped and conducted a discreet internal investigation, Red Bull's parent company and Thai investors ultimately cleared Horner of wrongdoing, deeming the allegations insufficient for dismissal or severe disciplinary action.

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Just when it seemed things were quietening down, a leaked document detailing aspects of Horner's incident with the employee reignited scrutiny on the team.

Further fueling the turmoil, rumours surfaced ahead of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix suggesting that driver advisor, Helmut Marko, was also under investigation for potentially leaking information to the media throughout Horner's ordeal.

In response to the possibility of Marko's suspension, Max Verstappen publicly declared that he would not continue with Red Bull if such action were taken, as captured by RacingNews365.

The World Champion's statement caused ripples throughout the sport, prompting speculation about the three-time champion's future with the team.

However, it was later determined that Marko would not face suspension, and operations would proceed as usual.

Despite this resolution, Verstappen is yet to provide clarity on the rumours surrounding his potential departure from Red Bull.

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Verstappen on his Red Bull future

In an interview with F1 TV, captured by RedBulletin, Verstappen addressed his future at the end of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix:

"I always said that the most important thing is for us to work together as a team and for everyone to keep peace. That's what we all agree on within the team. Hopefully, from now on, this will be fully the case.

"Everyone is trying to focus in the same direction. I think the positive thing is that our performances weren't affected, so we have a very strong team.

"I also think mentally, you can see that not only the drivers but also the mechanics, engineers, everyone is there to do their job. Even when there are distractions, they remain focused on their work," he concluded.

Verstappen's diplomatic response did little to dispel speculation about his potential departure from the team.

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It's worth noting that before the Bahrain Grand Prix, his father, Jos Verstappen, was involved in a heated exchange with Horner, though the details remained undisclosed to the media.

While the turbulence at Red Bull seems to be subsiding, the immediate future of Verstappen within the team remains a topic of keen interest as the 2025 season approaches.

Verstappen archives F1 milestone

Sports Brief also previously reported on Verstappen achieving a new Formula 1 milestone at the Saudi GP.

The 26-year-old champion became the youngest driver in the sport's history to reach 100 podium finishes.