Although it has been decided that he will qualify for the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, there is no doubt that off-track topics have grabbed the headlines.
It was once again a story of on-track perfection for Red Bull as Max Verstappen charged towards pole position, but it was thrown into turmoil as the future of Red Bull Racing senior adviser Helmut Marko was called into question. It happened. Let's dig into all the major issues.
Helmut Marko in talks about future at Red Bull
After Marko shockingly revealed to ORF that he “could” be suspended by Red Bull ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, he shed further light on what's next for him and Red Bull.
Further talks are planned between the two sides on Saturday, as Marko also has to decide whether to continue with Red Bull.
read more: Helmut Marko hints at possibility of Red Bull withdrawal as tense negotiations are set
Max Verstappen warns Helmut Marko should stay at Red Bull
Marko has played a key role in bringing many racers into F1 through the Red Bull Junior system, with Verstappen arguably the biggest success story to date.
Understandably, Verstappen feels great “loyalty” to Marko and stressed to Red Bull that Marko's departure “is not good for my situation” at the team.
read more: Max Verstappen gives Red Bull a clear warning, Helmut Marko's future is in doubt
Toto Wolff: “Helmut Marko's departure would be a setback for Red Bull''
Red Bull and Mercedes, both of which are team principal Toto Wolff, don't always see eye to eye, but it doesn't seem like the relationship between Marko and Wolff has soured, with Marko blaming Red Bull's formidable rivals in the paddock. My worst enemy.''
However, Wolff strongly believes that if Marko were to play a starring role in Red Bull's exit, this would be a “setback” for Red Bull Racing.
read more: Toto Wolff weighs in on Helmut Marko's story as Red Bull's future is in doubt
Audi completes complete acquisition of Sauber
Audi hopes to compete with Red Bull and Mercedes in a future F1 as it prepares to join the grid from 2026, but that won't be through a partnership with Sauber.
Instead, the German brand has confirmed its intention to complete its full acquisition of the Sauber Group, with former McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl appointed as CEO of the Audi F1 team as part of the accompanying management changes. .
read more: Audi F1 confirms intention to fully acquire Sauber, announces personnel changes
Carlos Sainz undergoes 'successful surgery' for appendicitis treatment
Carlos Sainz had returned to Ferrari duties from Thursday's practice after missing Wednesday's media duties due to illness, but was rushed to hospital on Friday morning after it was revealed he had appendicitis. Surgery was required.
This paves the way for Ferrari's 18-year-old reserve driver Oliver Bearman to step up for the remainder of the Saudi Grand Prix weekend, with Sainz confirming on social media that the surgery went well in typical Sainz fashion.
read more: Carlos Sainz posts statement after 'successful appendicitis surgery'