Max Verstappen has sensationally threatened to quit Red Bull if Helmut Marko is forced out of the team over the Christian Horner saga.
While Red Bull have been doing the business on track once again this season, things have been far from smooth sailing off of it.
The investigation into Horner and the purported leaked evidence has created a rift in the team with Jos Verstappen calling for the team principal to step down.
Marko now appears to be at the centre of a fresh twist in the ongoing saga as he is said to be facing possible disciplinary action in a separate investigation.
Helmut Marko could face suspension
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According to BBC Sport, Red Bull plan to suspend Marko over the internal investigation.
It's not clear what the investigation is in relation to but the 80-year-old has admitted that a suspension could be possible.
When asked whether he faces a suspension, Marko 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."
He added: "The theoretical possibility always exists."
Marko refused to confirm whether he would be present at the next race in Australia later this month.
"It's such a complex issue. Again, we want peace in the team," he added.
"This world championship will be difficult enough with 24 races and we have to concentrate on that."
Marko played a huge role in helping Verstappen gain a seat at Red Bull at the age of 17 and the two have been close ever since.
The Red Bull advisor was reportedly present at Jos Verstappen's 52nd birthday celebrations earlier in the week.
And Verstappen, 26, has added more fuel to the flames over the situation by suggesting he could walk if Marko is forced out.
"If such an important pillar falls away, it is not good for my situation and I have told the team that," Verstappen said.
Max Verstappen would consider his own future if Helmut Marko is forced out
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"He is an important part in my decision-making for the future.
"For me, Helmut has to stay. I have a lot of respect for him, and what we have achieved together. It goes very far.
"He built this team with Dietrich (Mateschitz, the energy drink company's late founder)."
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Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko share a close working relationship
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Verstappen's comments came just a day after Horner confidently predicted Verstappen will see out the final four years of his contract.
"I'm certain that he will," he said.
"He's got a great team around him, he's got great faith in that team, and we have achieved an awful lot together.
"He's committed to an agreement to 2028 and from the team side, from Max's side, we're determined to build on the success we've achieved already."
