The domino effect of the Christian Horner controversy has brought all eyes to F1’s reigning constructors champions, Red Bull. While Jos Verstappen has openly been harsh on Horner and hinted at his son Max‘s leaving, Horner’s close aide Helmut Marko is the latest victim of the controversy. There was quite an uproar in the paddock when Marko himself confessed to a possible suspension amid leaks from the Red Bull camp.

The latest update on that topic is that Red Bull’s Boss has sent a clear message to the world and their champion’s father amid Verstappen’s exit rumors.

According to the tweet posted by De Telegraaf journalist Erik van Haren, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff says in the paddock that he had a ‘good conversation’ with top advisor Helmut Marko. He says about the future of Max Verstappen: “Max is a great driver and he has a contract with us. I am here to encourage the team.”

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Amidst the chaos, Toto Wolff came out in support of Mercedes’ sworn enemy, Marko.

Amid rumors of Max Verstappen’s exit, Toto Wolff had come out in support of “favorite enemy” Helmut Marko

Max Verstappen moving to Mercedes was the most mind-boggling rumor of recent times. While Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen both adopted the attitude of never say never, Verstappen’s closest aide Marko found support in the enemy clan.

“Helmut was never a child of sadness. He was my ‘favorite enemy’ here,” Wolff told Sky Germany. “He was a real racer. He certainly made a huge contribution to the team’s performance over the years. Verstappen and the young drivers all come from him. That’s his nose for the young drivers. It would definitely be a setback for the team if Helmut were to leave.”

READ MORE: Toto Wolff Eliminates Max Verstappen’s Rumored Mercedes Move in the “Short Term”

Do you think Max will leave Red Bull at the end of this year?