Would Marko follow Verstappen to an F1 rival?

11:00, 02 Apr

Updated: 16:34, 02 Apr

byEwan Gale

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has insisted he would not follow Max Verstappen to a rival team in Formula 1.

The Austrian recently suggested that four-time champion Verstappen's departure would trigger his own exit from the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

It follows internal turmoil that started last season, where Marko almost left the team under the cloud brought by an investigation into team principal Christian Horner, though both remained in position after the Briton was cleared.

But in a conversation with Austrian outlet OE24, Marko clarified his comments on leaving with Verstappen to join another team.

"That would be absolutely excluded for me," he explained. "For me, Formula 1 equals Red Bull."

Will Verstappen leave Red Bull?

Speculation over Verstappen's future at Red Bull has ramped up in recent weeks, with cracks in the relationship seemingly appearing gradually.

Mercedes was open in its pursuit last season as it searched for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, while the hiring of Adrian Newey at soon-to-be Honda powered Aston Martin presents a compelling option.

Former F1 race winner Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested the Silverstone-based outfit will present Verstappen an "offer he can't refuse", while Ralf Schumacher has suggested he "will leave".

McLaren CEO Zak Brown is also convinced Verstappen will be on the move, suggesting that he will land at Mercedes.