Helmut Marko responds to 'offer' from Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff

Helmut Marko's future seems secure for now, after reports emerged of a possible suspension of the Red Bull advisor. However, talks between Marko and Thai majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya are still set to take place.

The conversation with Yoovidhya was scheduled to take place in Dubai on Monday. At the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Marko indicated that he will be present at the Australian Grand Prix as normal, after initially appearing not to be allowed to speak to the media and leaving the circuit early on Friday night.

The talks have everything to do with reports of a possible suspension and accusations that the 80-year-old Austrian had something to do with leaking possible phone messages regarding Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner. Marko dismisses those accusations. "That I would have leaked the news is nonsense. I am already happy if I can half-use my mobile phone. I deliberately stayed out of it, that's absurd," he told Sky Sports Germany.

When Max Verstappen heard the reports about Marko, he did not hesitate for a moment to stand squarely behind the advisor. Marko was visibly touched by the three-time world champion's words: "That was very impressive and I am also very grateful to him. He is one of the few people here who has character and shows loyalty."

Meanwhile, Toto Wolff had jokingly said that Mercedes might have a spot for Marko, as the team are missing an older advisor since the death of F1 legend Niki Lauda. Marko can appreciate his rival's words. "That is very nice, but at the moment I can thankfully turn down this offer," he laughs.

Wolff also nuanced his own statements, which he clearly made jokingly. "It was a joke. I think Max is in a quick car and as a driver you stay in a quick car, it was a joke," he stressed at Viaplay. He did admit, however, that he would give a lot to get Verstappen in his car.