Verstappen thinks Red Bull cannot do without Marko: 'Loyalty at one'

Max Verstappen is enjoying a historic season in Formula 1 with team Red Bull Racing. The now three-time world champion says he could not do without Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. He feels that Red Bull is not performing as well without Marko as with the 80-year-old Austrian. Verstappen explains.

In a statement, which Verstappen has to answer agree or disagree, he is asked whether Red Bull Racing could do without top advisor Marko. The driver, who has won three consecutive world championships, does not have to think twice about his answer.

"Actually, you should describe it as: Red Bull should not want to continue without Helmut. For me, that has to do with respect and loyalty," Verstappen told De Telegraaf in an interview. "That [loyalty] is number one for me. That's how I stand in it, looking at the contract between me and the team. Mutually, I also feel that respect from Helmut. I will not let him down," the Red Bull driver said.

Another statement asked whether Verstappen would rather quit social media. This statement the Dutchman answered with: agree. "If I'm very honest I would, but that's just not possible," he explains. "Of course I have my team and sponsor obligations and the reach I have online is very important for certain parties. Maybe I will quit as soon as my career is over. But I am also very relaxed about it. I don't use social media to express my opinion."