Max Verstappen launched a powerful defence of his mentor and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko on Friday when confronted by reports that the Austrian may face a possible suspension in the aftermath of the Christian Horner saga. 

The three-time world champion insisted that Marko, 80, must keep his job when he spoke soon after taking pole position for Saturday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old Dutchman, whose career has been overseen by Marko, was clear in outlining his feelings. 

"From my side, I have a lot of respect for Helmut, and what we have achieved together," said Verstappen. 

"It goes back very far. My loyalty to him is very big and I have always expressed this to everyone within the team, to everyone high up, that he is an important part in my decision-making for the future within the team. 

Read full story on sport.timesofmalta.com

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