Helmut Marko pledges future to Red Bull after CEO talks

Helmut Marko cooled some of the escalating drama at Red Bull, pledging his future to the team following talks with the company's chief executive, Oliver Mintzlaff.

Marko faced an internal Red Bull GmbH investigation relating to the ongoing saga concerning Christian Horner's misconduct investigation.

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The prospect of him leaving the company raised questions about Max Verstappen's future with the team as the reigning world champion pledged his loyalty to the Austrian after taking pole for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Friday evening.

However, after speaking with Mintzlaff, Marko appeared to cool the situation.

"We agreed on all points," Marko told Sky Germany. "I will continue here. My contract still has three years to run."

Marko was instrumental in Verstappen signing to Red Bull, and the Dutch driver has made his loyalty clear.

"It was very impressive," Marko said about Verstappen's comments. "I am very grateful to him for that. But he is one of the few who has strength of character and shows loyalty."

Marko also said "calm must return" within the fractured Red Bull camp.

Despite the controversy around the team, Verstappen looks like a comfortable favourite for a fourth straight championship this year.