PADDOCK INSIDER: Verstappen's Red Bull future proves a hot topic as Alonso and Russell reflect on their own plans

Max Verstappen's partnership with Red Bull was a hot topic in the paddock on Thursday in Saudi Arabia after the energy drinks company's motorsport adviser Helmut Marko said he has "great concern" about the reigning four-time World Champion's future with the team.

Speaking to Sky Germany, after Verstappen struggled for performance last time out in Bahrain to fall eight points behind McLaren's Lando Norris in the Drivers' standings, Marko said: "The concern is great. Improvements have to come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again."