Formula 1 – Saudi Arabia GP: Live timings and updates as Red Bull look to put off-track controversies surrounding Christian Horner and Helmut Marko to one side with Max Verstappen on pole and Sergio Perez third

Helmut Marko has reported to work in the Saudi Arabia paddock.

He entered accompanied by Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.

Could this be your last race weekend for Red Bull?

Christian Horner is reportedly confident that Max Verstappen will honor his Red Bull contract despite speculation over his future.

The employee at the center of the Horner scandal has been suspended and Mail Sport revealed she was told her evidence was “dishonest”.

In the run-up to today’s race, Verstappen has been linked with an exit after failing to publicly back his team principal, who was under fire.

His father, Jos, was seen chatting to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who will have a seat available next year once Lewis Hamilton leaves.

But Horner is optimistic about the prospect of keeping Verstappen.

Carlos Sainz has undergone surgery for appendicitis and is recovering.

I’m sure he’ll be watching from his hospital bed tonight.

Oliver Bearman is his understudy and has been brilliant this weekend.

Lando Norris has wished Sainz the best, saying: ‘Get well soon, friend.’

Speedy recovery from all of us, Carlos.

Oliver Bearman’s father seemed wracked with worry as he watched his son compete in yesterday’s qualifying session for Ferrari.

The 18-year-old was inches away from making contact with a wall on the merciless circuit. A single hit could have resulted in a major accident.

His father, David, was in the Ferrari garage in front of the monitors and his emotions were visible at every twist and turn.

Bearman replaced Carlos Sainz, who underwent surgery for appendicitis. We will provide an update on Sainz very soon.

Speaking after the session, Bearman’s father told Sky Sports: “I’m very proud.” He did well and did a fantastic job.”

Oliver Bearman, who will drive for Ferrari today, has arrived at the paddock. As expected, he seemed to be on top of the world.

By the way, what a performance yesterday.

He was selected at the last minute as a substitute for Carlos Sainz and qualified in P11 with a car he had barely touched.

That’s real talent! Let’s see what he can do today.

Max Verstappen could even leave Red Bull after Helmut Marko admitted he could be suspended in the near future.

Mail Sport’s Jonathan McEvoy recently revealed that the three-time world king has a surprising release clause in his contract.

This clause allows him to resign if his ally Marko leaves.

The future of both men has been thrown into doubt as the texting scandal surrounding Christian Horner continues.

Mercedes, it must be said, will have a free seat next year…

What a story this could be!

Max Verstappen has openly threatened to leave Red Bull if Helmut Marko, his mentor, is forced to resign in the scandal that has engulfed the sport.

Marko faces possible disciplinary action and told Austrian broadcaster ORF there was a possibility he would not be in Australia on March 24.

Mail Sport understands the latest twist relates to allegations he leaked incriminating evidence against team manager Christian Horner.

But Verstappen won’t let Marko leave.

You can read the full quotes from the world champion below.

Formula One is at the center of a raging storm in Saudi Arabia.

Simply put, Red Bull appears to have imploded over the past fortnight.

First, Christian Horner faced an investigation over allegations of inappropriate behavior brought forward by a female employee.

The charges were later dismissed.

The woman, whose name has not been identified, was suspended.

And now it has emerged that Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, a close ally of Max Verstappen, is facing disciplinary action.

According to the BBC, the team’s plan was to suspend Marko.

But of course, our attention is also on the drama on the court and we will have all the updates and preparations for tonight’s success right here.