Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko 'could face suspension' amid fresh investigation by team

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is subject to an investigation by the team and could face disciplinary action if found guilty, according to reports.

Autosport have reported that the Austrian, who has been an advisor to the team since it was launched in 2005, is a subject of an ongoing investigation by the team.

The report says that the investigation relates to 'various media leaks that have taken place' since it was reported that Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was under investigation over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Horner, who consistently denied the allegations, was cleared of any wrongdoing by the internal investigation, which was overseen by an 'external, specialised lawyer'.

On Thursday, the female employee who accused Horner of inappropriate behaviour was suspended by Red Bull. The team declined to comment on the internal matter.

Autosport add that the investigation into Marko remains ongoing, and there has been no conclusion reached over whether the Austrian breached team protocol.

If he is found guilty, the team could decide to apply disciplinary action. Red Bull declined to comment on the situation when approached by Autosport. SPORTbible have also approached Red Bull for comment.

Horner has previously clarified that Marko is an advisor for Red Bull GmbH, the racing team's Austrian parent company, and is therefore not directly employed by Red Bull Racing.

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Marko is in Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which takes place on Saturday.

When asked by Austrian broadcaster ORF (via F1 journalist Julianne Cerasoli) about the possibility of a suspension being imposed on him, the 80-year-old replied: "I'll put it this way, it's difficult to judge, or let's put it this way, ultimately, I'll decide for myself what I do. The theoretical possibility always exists.

"I think it's such a complex issue. Again, we want peace in the team. This world championship will be difficult enough with 24 races, and we have to concentrate on that."

F1-Insider have previously claimed that three-time world champion Max Verstappen, who is on pole position for Saturday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, may be able to leave the team if Marko chooses to depart at any time.

The existence of any clause is yet to be confirmed, however, and Marko declined to comment when asked about the matter. Verstappen's current contract runs until the end of 2028.

After reports emerged surrounding Marko, meanwhile, Verstappen stated to Sky Germany: "If Helmut Marko leaves, we will have a really big problem at Red Bull."

Speaking to media after his pole position, the Dutchman said: "From my side, I have a lot of respect for Helmut, and what we have achieved together. It goes very far.

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

"It is very important that he stays within the team, including of course everybody else because it is a team effort and it is very important that we keep the key people together. Because I feel like if such an important pillar falls away, what I have said to the team, that is not good for my situation as well.

"For me, Helmut has to stay and he built this team together with Dietrich [Mateschitz] from day one and he's always been very loyal to the team, to everyone within the team to make sure that everyone would keep their positions from back in the day.

"I think it is also very important that you give the man a lot of respect for what he has done, and that comes back to loyalty and integrity, so it is important that he stays part of the team."