Verstappen and Marko Evaluate Norris’ Performance

Lando Norris’s “dominance” in the Singapore Grand Prix surprised Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko stated that he had a comprehensive discussion with Verstappen following Norris’s “extraordinary” victory. Verstappen finished the race in second place at Marina Bay, but he was 21 seconds behind Norris.

Norris showcased a dominant performance throughout the Singapore GP, having also secured pole position. If Daniel Ricciardo hadn’t set the fastest lap in the final round, the British driver would have achieved a grand slam. Marko acknowledged that Verstappen needs to prepare over the next few weeks for the championship battle against Norris.

“We had a comprehensive conversation on the phone on Tuesday,” Marko said to Motorsport-Total. “There are still some public relations activities, but he needs to recover to be ready for the championship battle, which will certainly be close and challenging.”

Norris’s victory in Singapore reduced Verstappen’s lead in the Drivers’ Championship to 52 points with six races remaining. The three-time world champion had no response to Norris’s speed in the last race, which Marko attributes to the British driver’s strength on medium tires. According to Marko, Norris was much faster than Verstappen on medium compound tires. Even without the current issues of the RB20, Norris’s speed would still be a concern for Red Bull.

Marko stated, “Lando’s dominance was largely due to the medium tires. He was gaining us 0.9 to 1 second per lap. Moreover, it’s strange that even if our cars were optimized, Verstappen wouldn’t be able to achieve those times on the medium tires. We’re all wondering how this is possible.”