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      Lewis Hamilton admits he’s struggling with his Mercedes and says has been upstaged by his teammate George Russell

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      LEWIS HAMILTON admits he is struggling to wring the most out of his Mercedes and claims he has been upstaged by his teammate George Russell.Hamilton, 39, has decided to quit Mercedes at the end of this season to join Ferrari in a bid to help him win an eighth world championship.Lewis Hamilton admitted he is struggling with his Mercedes carCredit: GettyHamilton claims he is being upstaged by Mercedes team-mate George RussellCredit: GettyThe British legend is without a win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP and could only qualify in 11th for the Australian GP while Russell was quick enough for seventh.It is the third race in a row where Russell has been the fastest of the two teammates and Hamilton said: “I don’t know if I’m dealing with it that great. I mean, [I am] less consistent than George.”George is doing a better job with our car, three qualifyings in a row that he’s out-qualified me. He just seems to get on a lot better than I do.”I’m just trying to keep my head above water and just continue to realise how it could be way worse.Read More on F1″It felt great in P3. It was strange because we were right there with these guys and we didn’t really understand why.”But then going into qualifying just the inconsistency within the car really messes with the mind.”But George did a good job today. It is what it is. I just have to try and do a better job tomorrow.”In the afternoon here, the wind picks up. It’s the same as P2: P1 was a bit better and then when the wind picks up, the car becomes a lot more unstable.Most read in Motorsport”This morning was nice with the calmer wind and then as soon as the wind picks up it gets a little bit stable.”But the others seem to be able to pick their pace up in qualifying.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram”I’m not sure why it didn’t feel the same in qualifying, even though we had a lighter fuel [load], it felt better in P3.”So it’s not a great feeling for everyone on the team, but we’ll just keep working away.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Max Verstappen took pole position while his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez was third.Carlos Sainz, who had appendicitis and missed the last race in Saudi Arabia, qualified in second place in his Ferrari.Verstappen said: “I think both of those laps felt really, really nice and that was very enjoyable.”It was a bit of a tricky weekend so far but we managed to get there in the end, so I’m very happy with that.”Ferrari seem very quick also in the long runs, so a bit of a question mark for tomorrow, but I guess that makes it very exciting, so we’ll find out tomorrow.” More

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      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s wife Susie files criminal complaint against FIA over controversial conflict of interest probe

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      SUSIE WOLFF has revealed that she has filed a criminal complaint against the FIA.The Scot, 41, was accused of exchanging confidential information with husband and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff in December last year.Susie Wolff has launched a legal complaint against the FIACredit: GettyWolff, 41, was left appalled by allegations made against herCredit: RexAt the time she labelled allegations “misogynistic” and claimed to be “deeply insulted”.She has now taken things a step further by launching legal action.In a statement posted to social media, Wolff wrote: “I can confirm that I personally filed a criminal complaint in the French courts on the 4th of March in relation to the statements made about me by the FIA last December.”There has still not been any transparency or accountability in relation to the conduct of the FIA and its personnel in this matter.READ MORE F1″I feel more than ever it is important to stand up, call out improper behaviour and make sure people are held to account.”Whilst some may think silence absolves them from responsibility – it does not.”A magazine last year claimed that rival team bosses had raised concerns that Wolff was sharing confidential information from employers Formula One Management (FOM) to her husband Toto.Wolff is employed by F1’s commercial rights holder FOM and in her role as the director of the sports all-female series, F1 Academy, reports directly to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.Most read in MotorsportAt the time, the FIA announced that its compliance unit had launched an investigation into the matter.A statement read: “The FIA is aware of media speculation centred on the allegation of information of a confidential nature being passed to an F1 team principal from a member of FOM personnel.Inside the top secret Mercedes facility that Lewis Hamilton uses before every F1 race and is adapted to every track “The FIA Compliance Department is looking into the matter.”Wolff responded on social media: “It is disheartening that my integrity is being called into question in such a manner, especially when it seems to be rooted in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour, and focused on my marital status rather than my abilities.”The FIA dropped its investigation just 48 hours later, saying it was “satisfied” F1 had measures in place to protect against the sharing of information between the Wolffs.In that time, all nine of Mercedes’ rival F1 teams denied making any such complaints about Wolff’s conduct.And the affair left senior figures in F1 questioning the judgement of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.Lewis Hamilton then blasted the FIA for their bungling of the situation at their prizegiving gala in Baku.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not the only scandal the FIA finds itself wrapped up in, following recent allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against Red Bull team principal Christian Horner by a female employee.In contrast to its public statement regarding Wolff, the FIA has so far refused to say whether it is looking into Horner’s behaviour.Lewis Hamilton slammed the FIA’s conductCredit: PA More

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      Max Verstappen ‘close to Mercedes deal’ reveals F1 legend as he slams Red Bull for ‘stupid’ decision

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN is closing in on a deal to join Mercedes, according to one former Formula One icon.Verstappen, 26, has been linked with an exit from Red Bull amid the controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner.Johnny Herbert has revealed Max Verstappen is close to agreeing a deal with MercedesCredit: GettyVerstappen (left) has been linked with an exit from Red Bull following the sexting controversy surrounding Christian Horner (right)Credit: EPABritish racing legend Johnny Herbert, 59, has revealed he has heard that a deal for the three-time world champion to switch teams is “close”, but thinks Red Bull should do what they can to prevent it.Rumours around a potential exit for Verstappen come amid the storm engulfing Red Bull Racing in the wake of allegations of controlling behaviour made by a female staffer against Horner.And Herbert has made it clear he thinks the storm itself is bad for the sport of F1 while discussing Verstappen’s future.He told The Sun: “It’s not a good thing for F1 with the whole thing going on and the belated heat on it.”READ MORE IN F1The three-time Grand Prix winner who raced in F1 between 1989 and 2000, argued: “It doesn’t help the situation for Red Bull who have the best driver in the world at the present time.”And they’re very close to pushing [Max Verstappen] out of the team, I’ve heard they are getting quite close with the deal with Mercedes.” Herbert suggested that Red Bull would be “stupid” to let the best driver in F1 leave their team as a result of the fallout.He said: “It seems like a stupid thing to do, their biggest asset is not the Christian Horner show.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe added that it would be “crazy” for the F1 chief to stay due to his “arrogance”.The embattled Red Bull boss strongly denies all the allegations and was cleared of misconduct by an internal probe on February 28.Spice Girls ‘rallying behind’ Geri Halliwell, Mel B says amid sexting scandal plaguing F1 boss husband Christian HornerHowever, only 24 hours later a string of sexually suggestive texts between Horner and his female accuser were leaked – re-igniting the scandal.Should Verstappen leave for Mercedes he would likely be replacing Lewis Hamilton who announced he would be leaving the Silver Arrows to join Ferrari at the end of the season.SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP
      FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
      FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
      FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
      FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
      FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
      FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
      FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
      FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
      MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
      MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
      MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
      MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
      MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.
      MAR 15: Horner’s accuser allegedly launches an appeal against the investigation that saw the Red Bull chief cleared.
      MAR 16: The female employee lodges a complaint against Horner with the FIA.
      MAR 17: Horner reportedly agrees to ‘public ceasefire’ with senior Red Bull Racing management to quell the drama More

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      Wolves ace Matheus Cunha faces trial after being ‘caught speeding in £174k rented Mercedes G-Class’

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      WOLVES ace Matheus Cunha is facing trial accused of speeding in his £174,000 Mercedes.The forward, 24, was allegedly clocked driving at 29mph in a 20mph zone in London.Matheus Cunha is facing trial after he was allegedly caught speedingCredit: GettyCunha was written to by the Met Police but he is accused of not responding for four months, the Evening Standard reports.As a result, the Brazilian is now facing a criminal trial for allegedly failing to provide information about the July 2021 incident.Cunha claims he did reply and offered the name of another person who was driving the rented Mercedes G-Class at the time.He is now due to stand trial on April 5 at Willesden Magistrates Court accused of committing a criminal offence by not replying sooner to the police request for information.Read more newsThe publication reports police first went to the hire car company, who provided the footballer’s name.Officers sent a letter to his home in Wolverhampton giving him 28 days to respond.A final reminder was then sent out that gave Cunha an extra week to reply – with the star allegedly missing both deadlines.Cunha started his career as a youth player for Swiss club FC Sion before joining RB Leipzig in 2018.Most read in FootballHe impressed at the club and was snapped up two years later by Hertha BSC for £15.4million.Cunha then moved Atlético Madrid in 2021 for £25.6million – scoring six goals in 40 games for the Spanish team.Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino APOLOGISES to fuming fans after watching his side thumped by WolvesHe joined Wolves on loan in the 2022-23 season after the club beat off competition from Arsenal and Man Utd.Cunha has impressed with a string of goals – including a hat-trick against Chelsea last month.The Brazilian international is currently out with a hamstring injury but manager Gary O’Neil has hinted he could return soon.The star, pictured with partner Gabriela, is facing trial in AprilCredit: InstagramHe has impressed at Wolves so farCredit: Getty More

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      Christian Horner was right to call out Max Verstappen in Red Bull feud – but defiant words could come back to bite him

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      IT has been a turbulent and questionable time for under pressure Red Bull boss Christian Horner, but his decision to call out Max Verstappen was the right way to go.The rumblings in the Verstappen camp is that the reigning world champion could quit Red Bull in the foreseeable future.The troubled saga at Red Bull, including the situation between world champ Max Verstappen and team boss Christian Horner, could get messierCredit: APVarious explanations have been offered, one being they are unhappy with Horner following the messy internal investigation.Another is their loyalty to 80-year-old Helmut Marko, who has seen his position as Red Bull’s motorsport advisor diminished by Horner’s over-reaching title as team boss and CEO of Red Bull Racing.Another suggestion doing the rounds in the paddock – and not from the Verstappens – centres on money.It is reported that Verstappen earns around £43million a year from Red Bull Racing.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe also has a win bonus structure that is capped at a certain number of race wins.His contract, which runs until 2028, already makes him the highest paid driver in F1, but his earning potential has a ceiling.Whatever the reason for the discontent, Horner is at least sure that no individual is bigger than the team, including himself.He has told Verstappen that if he doesn’t want to be part of the team, he can walk, presumably joining Mercedes, whose team boss Toto Wolff said he’d do handstands if he signed the world champ.Most read in MotorsportIt is difficult to see why Verstappen would want to quit Red Bull.They have built him a car that has been unstoppable and he looks set to win the title again this season.Mercedes meanwhile have built a succession of duds and even Lewis Hamilton has put his loyalty to one side to jump ship to Ferrari.Christian Horner lifestyleLast week, in these pages I urged Max Verstappen to stand up for himself and make his own choice.But he made it clear at the Saudi Arabian GP he would not be without either his dad or manager, Raymond Vermeulen, by his side.Horner’s bullish words could now come back to bite him and the Verstappen camp will be even more determined to push through a switch to Mercedes.Only Bear pits himself wellOLIVER BEARMAN’s performance in Saudi Arabia masked what was another dull race.The 18-year-old from Essex defied expectations to finish seventh after being called up as an 11th hour replacement for Carlos Sainz, who had emergency surgery to remove his appendix.British teen Oliver Bearman was a rare beacon in a dull GPCredit: RexBearman’s heroics were great to watch – unlike the rest of the race.The optimists keep pointing out that the rest of the pack, once you’ve taken Verstappen and Sergio Perez out of the equation, is quite tight.And that much is true. There was indeed a tight battle between the cars running in 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th – all for zero points.F1 has a problem with all of this success for Verstappen as it has all become too predictable.It goes against the essence of American sports where it is about unpredictability.I fear that as his winning streak continues, which it will do, it could hit the TV viewers in the US that F1’s owners have tried to attract.Ferrari Los will be someone else’s gainCARLOS SAINZ checked himself out of hospital so he could make Saturday’s race – despite undergoing surgery hours earlier.The Spanish driver is a real team player.He will be let go by Ferrari at the end of this year to make way for Lewis Hamilton, and was clearly in pain and moving very gingerly as he walked in the paddock.But he still showed up for work to help out young Bearman, his replacement.Few other drivers in F1 would have done the same.No JoshingBRAVEST man of the week was the security guard who would not allow Anthony Joshua to join Sky F1’s pre-race coverage.Fresh from his win over Francis Ngannou, AJ was stopped from walking over a roped-off section and not allowed to speak to host Simon Lazenby until a producer intervened.It was soon all smiles for Anthony Joshua at the Jeddah Corniche CircuitCredit: GettyBag of tricksMOTOGP champion Francesco Bagnaia won the Qatar GP to get his season off to a flying start.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn an ominous warning he also said his Ducati was able to “go faster”.The two-time MotoGP champion led every lap as he got the better of Brad Binder and Jorge Martin. More

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      Mercedes star stripped of race win in rarely seen incident because team were too busy celebrating her victory

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      A MERCEDES star was stripped of a win after failing to realise the race was over in a rarely seen incident.A huge mix up meant the driver went past the chequered flag TWICE and was demoted from first to ninth.Mercedes-backed F1 Academy driver Doriane Pin saw her second race win stripped awayCredit: GettyPin had bizarrely continued racing after the race the had finished because she had not been told to stopCredit: RexRace Control handed Pin a 20-second penalty which demoted her from P1Credit: RexIt came in the all-female F1 Academy, which was enjoying it’s first weekend of the season in Saudi Arabia alongside the Formula One action.And while British 18-year-old Oliver Bearman took the headlines in F1 for his impressive P7 finish for Ferrari, it was a stripped race win for Doriane Pin which sparked controversy in the sister series.Pin, 20, had dominated on track throughout the weekend, claiming pole in qualifying before winning both of the weekend’s races.However, Mercedes-backed Pin saw her victory in the second race cruelly taken away in a rarely seen sequence of events. READ MORE IN F1After taking the chequered flag, Pin’s Prema team were busy celebrating the double win on the pit wall.But because her engineers were too busy toasting her success, Pin continued to drive around the Jeddah Corniche Circuit at race speed on what should have been the cooldown lap.Pin went on to complete two full laps before the red flag was shown to stop her.As a result of her driving much faster than she should have been, Race Control had to impose a drive-through penalty as per the rules, but because it could not be applied mid-race it was applied afterwards. Most read in MotorsportCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL This converted into a 20-second time penalty and consequently caused Pin to drop to P9 in the standings, allowing Alpine junior Abbi Pulling to inherit the win in race two.F1 Academy explained: “Doriane Pin has received a drive-through penalty for crossing the chequered flag twice and completing two laps at full speed until the red flag was shown.Brit F1 sensation Oliver Bearman, 18, seals impressive 7th in first ever GP as Max Verstappen wins in Saudi Arabia”As the penalty could not be served in-race, it has been converted into a 20-second penalty added to her elapsed race time.”Following the race Pin said a radio issue meant she kept going at race speed as she was unsure whether it was the last lap or not.She said: “I had a little bit of an issue with the radio. I couldn’t hear anything by the engineers so I didn’t know if it was the last lap or not. I kept pushing in case it was.”It had not been evident on the broadcast as her engineer asked: “Doriane, what are you doing? It’s the chequered flag.” To which she replied: “You didn’t tell me!”One of the craziest things i’ve ever seen in racing. Dorian Pin wins the race, but her engineers are too busy celebrating to tell her, so she keeps barrelling down the track at full speed, to the confusion of everyone pic.twitter.com/PqKnAW7nTq— 2Fast2Sickos (@2Fast2Sickos) March 9, 2024

      After having the win stripped away, Pin took to social media to say: “An unfortunate end to an incredible first weekend in F1 Academy, the team and the car were amazing, but a post race penalty drops me to P9. “Will come back even stronger in Miami. Congrats to @AbbiPulling on P1.”The change sees Pulling also inherit the lead of the drivers championship with 44 points.Ferrari-coloured Maya Weug is also now above Pin on 33 points with the Pin herself sitting on 32 points, 14 clear of McLaren-backed Bianca Bustamante.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe next event for F1 Academy will be in Miami between May 3 and 5.Meanwhile, the next F1 race will be in Australia on March 24.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Brit F1 sensation Oliver Bearman, 18, beats Lewis Hamilton in first ever F1 GP as Max Verstappen wins in Saudi Arabia

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      OLIVER BEARMAN finished seventh in his first ever Formula One race in Saudi Arabia – even beating Brit legend Lewis Hamilton.The record-breaking 18-year-old replaced Carlos Sainz on short notice after the Spaniard underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis.Oliver Bearman impressed on his F1 debutCredit: APThe 18-year-old replaced Carlos Sainz at the last minuteCredit: GettyBearman was seen hugging his father David Bearman, whose nerves were showing in the garage throughout the weekendCredit: GettyBearman said the race was ‘fantastic’Credit: SplashBearman is dating TikTok star Estelle OgilvyChelmsford-born Bearman qualified in 11th for the Jeddah race but managed to move his way up through the field with some impressive overtakes and some strategies from rivals going in his favour.Bearman is dating Estelle Ogilvy, who is a TikTok star and law student.It may also come as a surprise that Bearman only passed his road driving test in May.Max Verstappen claimed victory number two for the season as Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez finished second amid another weekend where off-track noise around Red Bull has been gargantuan.Charles Leclerc took the final podium spot from Oscar Piastri in fourth, who had been held up for much of the mid-race by a masterful Lewis Hamilton defence. Hamilton was joined by Lando Norris in gambling by not pitting under an early safety car caused by Lance Stroll crashing into the wall.When the pair eventually opted to pit they had come out behind compatriot Bearman and could not close the gap before the chequered flag despite being on quicker soft tyres. However, the teen did finish directly behind P6 finisher George Russell, who went over with Hamilton to congratulate Bearman after the race.Most read in MotorsportCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Seven-time world champion Hamilton shared a bearhug with him while Russell gave him a handshake. The occasion was not lost on F1 fans either, with 48 per cent of the Driver of the Day vote going to Bearman.Meet Oliver Bearman the Brit F1 star making debut with Ferrari who speaks with Italian twang and has famous brother Speaking to Sky Sports F1, he said: “[I’m a] Little tired. You can probably see I don’t look my best. It was a fantastic race, pushing all the way.”I was shocked how fast we were pushing quicker every lap. “That was incredible and especially at the end where I had the two guys on softs bearing down on me, I couldn’t relax and I was always in my mirror’s pushing flat out.”But it was a really exciting and fun race.”Who is Ferrari ace Oliver Bearman?By Ben Hunt

      ESSEX boy Oliver Bearman has become Britain’s latest – and youngest – F1 star after making his debut for Ferrari.
      The 18-year-old, who only passed his driving test in May, was called up as an 11th hour replacement for Carlos Sainz, who suffered appendicitis.
      Bearman only had an hour’s practice to get up to speed with the Ferrari before qualifying for Saturday’s Saudi Arabian GP.
      And he defied the odds with a brilliant performance to take 11th on the grid – coming within just 0.036 seconds from knocking Lewis Hamilton out from qualifying.
      Bearman made the slightest of mistakes during turns 22 and 23 otherwise he’d have dumped out Hamilton from the second qualifying session.
      Bearman drove for the Haas F1 team last season in the practice sessions in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi.
      Raised in Chelmsford, and schooled at King Edward VI Grammar, he joined Ferrari’s driver academy, aged only 16.
      He quit school – against his mum’s request and moved to Modena close to Ferrari’s headquarters in northern Italy.
      He has previously won the Italian Formula Formula 4 and German Formula 4 titles , both in 2021.
      Last year he was sixth in the Formula Two championship and on Thursday he qualified for the F2 race here in Saudi Arabia on pole.

      He added: “It felt like the countdown seemed like it was going slower than normal but I think we managed it really well. “They weren’t really catching behind and I felt like I had a bit in hand in case I needed it and a bit of engine mode as well.”I found good confidence and was building throughout the race especially coming to the end of the hard stint and felt like I knew what the car was doing.”Bearman also had a cheeky mid-race comment when trying to overtake Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg for P9, telling his engineer the Haas was “so slow” before completing a move.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis P7 finish means he became the first Brit to score points on his F1 debut since Paul di Resta in 2011.Sensationally, Bearman’s six-point haul now means he is tenth in the drivers championship standings.Max Verstappen celebrated his race win with Christian HornerCredit: APBearman will be hoping his performance puts him in good stead for a seat next seasonCredit: GettyEstelle and Bearman have been keeping their relationship privateCredit: Instagram / @silly_lettuceShe has 76,000 TikTok followersCredit: Instagram / @silly_lettuceBearman’s father David is a motorsport enthusiast and was present trackside todayCredit: Instagram / @davidbearman87🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Cheeky Toto Wolff offers Marko Helmut a job amid fears he could be forced out of Red Bull after Christian Horner scandal

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      TOTO WOLFF has joked that Helmut Marko could play a role at Mercedes.It comes after reports suggested Marko could be forced out of his role as a Red Bull advisor.Toto Wolff has joked Mercedes could sign Hemlut Marko if he leaves Red BullCredit: GettyRed Bull have placed Helmut Marko under investigationCredit: GettyIt is said to come in relation to messages leaked regarding to the Christian Horner scandalCredit: GettyThe 80-year-old has been placed under investigation by Red Bull and will hold a meeting with Austrian team’s chief Oliver Mintzlaff in Saudi Arabia today.This enquiry is said to be related to the leaking of WhatsApp messages from an anonymous email claiming to be evidence of the internal report relating to the Christian Horner investigation.Marko, an ex-Formula One and winner of the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans, told Austrian broadcaster ORF: “It’s difficult to judge, or let’s put it this way, ultimately, I’ll decide for myself what I do. “The theoretical possibility [of suspension] always exists. It’s such a complex issue. Again, we want peace in the team. READ MORE IN F1″This world championship will be difficult enough with 24 races and we have to concentrate on that.”Amid the exit rumours, Wolff cheekily commented before the Saudi GP: “Marko could take the old place of Niki Lauda at Mercedes.”We are missing our old mascot anyway. Then we’ll just take Helmut! He fits in terms of age. He doesn’t have a red cap, but he can come to us.”Helmut is not a child of sadness and was – or is – our favourite enemy. But he is a real racer. If Helmut leaves, it is certainly a loss for Red Bull and for the team.”Most read in MotorsportCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Marko’s future at Red Bull is set to be intertwined with Max Verstappen, who unequivocablly backed the Austrian.The three-time F1 champion told reporters: “I am loyal to Helmut. He is a big and important part in my decision making and important he stays within the team including everyone else.Greatest F1 track on Earth’ created featuring iconic parts from Silverstone, Spa and Suzuka”It is important we keep people together because if an important pillar falls away, that is not good for my career as well.”So for me, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team with [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz from day one and been loyal.”You need to give the man respect for what he has done and that  comes back to loyalty and integrity and is important to why he stays part of the team.”A BBC Sport report claims a Red Bull source told them the plan was to suspend Marko, though a spokesperson later said: “That’s news to us.”Marko’s removal from his role would in theory allow Verstappen to break his £43million-a-year deal with Red Bull, paving a way for him to potentially join Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement in 2025.Marko’s future at Red Bull is linked to Max Verstappen’sCredit: GettyHe won an internal power struggle with Horner last year when he was awarded a new contract despite a dispute with the team principle.Horner, 50, was cleared after an internal report dismissed a claim from a female employee.SunSport revealed earlier this week that the employee who raised the initial complaint had been suspended on full pay.It triggered a fallout between Verstappen’s father Jos, who said Horner remaining at the team would cause it to “explode”.A fresh attack from Verstappen Snr saw him say it was “too late” for Horner to draw a line under the sexting scandal which had engulfed F1.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 52-year-old told the Mail: “I think it’s a bit too late for that now. If that’s what he wants, fine, but I don’t think it will be possible.”Verstappen claimed pole in Jeddah by more than three tenths of a second and is looking to make it back-to-back wins to start the 2024 F1 season.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More