Max Verstappen threatens to QUIT Red Bull’s F1 team if his mentor Helmut Marko, who is at risk of suspension or even the sack, is forced out ‘for leaking evidence against Christian Horner’

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

The world championship-winning team appears more divided than ever with Marko, the company’s motorsports advisor, facing possible disciplinary action in yet another investigation.

Marko told Austrian broadcaster ORF that there was a possibility he would not be at the next race in Australia on March 24.

The 80-year-old said cryptically that there is even a “possibility” he will be suspended on Monday. Another rumor says he will be fired.

The latest commotion is understood to relate to allegations that he leaked incriminating evidence against team principal Christian Horner, who was cleared of coercive behavior towards a female colleague.

The woman who filed the complaint was suspended earlier this week.

But Verstappen, Red Bull’s main asset, will not allow Marko to leave, raising the possibility of a move to Mercedes. The triple world champion said: ‘If such an important pillar falls, he is not good for my situation and I have told the team that. He is an important part of 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. He goes very far.

“He formed this team with Dietrich (Mateschitz, the late founder of the energy drink company).”

Once again, Verstappen made no reference to Horner, who last week was hit by leaked WhatsApp messages that allegedly revealed sexually suggestive exchanges with his colleague.