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via Imago

via Imago

Oliver Bearman‘s exploits have taken the limelight away from the ongoing off-track drama surrounding Red Bull. However, as soon as the chequered flag was out after the Saudi Arabian GP, storylines stemming from the Christian Horner controversy were up for debate once again. The latest development in the saga now put the team’s advisor Dr. Helmut Marko under investigation and even close to suspension. This also put a big question mark on Max Verstappen‘s future with the team as the Dutchman is extremely loyal to Marko. However, after Marko’s potential suspension was dismissed, the reigning world champion called for peace within the team.

Verstappen is extremely loyal to Marko. The Dutchman showcased it by suggesting he would leave the Austrian team if Marko were to get the boot. His first reaction to the news of Marko’s investigation was extremely open-ended. However, after Marko’s suspension was off the table, the Dutchman was asked to comment on the situation during the post-race presser and he asked for peace and to shift the focus on the primary motive, racing.

via Reuters

Verstappen said,  I always said that what is most important is that we work together as a team and that everyone keeps the peace. And that’s what we, I think, all agree on within the team. So hopefully from now on, that is also fully the case. Everyone is trying to focus in the same direction. And I think the positive out of all this is that it didn’t hurt our performances. So it’s a very strong team. I think also mentally, what you can see from not only the driver’s side but also mechanics, engineers, everyone is there to do their job. And I think everyone, even when there is stuff going on or whatever, they’re just very focused on their job as they should be.

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Read More: Max Verstappen Reveals His World Championship “Doesn’t Matter”; Doesn’t Care What Other People Think

Much to Toto Wolff‘s dismay, it seems Verstappen won’t be leaving the extremely dominant Red Bull project for Mercedes. However, what led to this scenario even becoming a discussion, and how it was nipped in the bud? Let us tell you about it!

How a meeting with Red Bull’s CEO is making Max Verstappen stay

If you can recall, soon after Christian Horner was acquitted of his crimes, a lot of F1 entities and all team bosses received proof of Horner’s alleged wrongdoing anonymously. Some reports and rumors suggested this anonymous tip was masterminded by Dr. Marko. This led to another internal investigation with speculation of Marko’s dismissal floating around the paddock. However, the Austrian changed the scenario with one conversation.

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via Imago

Marko personally met the Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff and had a “good conversation.” Marko revealed, “It was a very good conversation. Of course, calm must return to the team. That has priority. We agreed on all points. I will continue here. My contract still has three years to run. But calm must return.”

He also commented on Verstappen’s threat of leaving because of his dismissal which showcased loyalty toward him. “It was very impressive. I am very grateful to him for that. But he is one of the few who has strength of character and shows loyalty,” he added.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen’s Chaos Continues: Disqualified for Revenge, Triggers Chaos in Sim Race

However, all’s well that ends well and hopefully this saga is finally drawing to a close. Let’s hope at Verstappen’s behest, we will finally see some peace in the Red Bull garage.