By taking first place on the grid, Lando Norris is already giving an answer on the Formula 1 track. But he also counters the comments from the Red Bull camp about his mental state in another way.
In the nervous duel off the track, Formula 1 title hunter Lando Norris countered the verbal attacks from the Red Bull camp with humor. Helmut Marko, motorsport advisor for World Championship leader Max Verstappen’s team, teased before the Grand Prix weekend in Austin. “Norris has a weak start and he’s not the strongest in the head,” he said, once again provoking clear reactions from the McLaren camp.
“A blow below the belt,” emphasized McLaren’s managing director Zak Brown. But talking to Marko about it is pointless. “It’s not the first time he’s made comments like this and it certainly won’t be the last.” Nevertheless, Marko later admitted: “If it was misinterpreted, then I’m sorry.”
But what does Norris himself say about it? Marko also said that he had rituals, the 24-year-old Brit commented in the “Times” and suspected possible translation errors: “My only ritual is that I eat a chicken wrap.”
Norris also demonstrated strong nerves on the track and spoke of “probably the best” qualifying lap of his career after taking pole position for the US Grand Prix this evening (9 p.m./Sky). However, he has to prepare for the attack from world champion Max Verstappen in the first corner of the race.
Exactly where the Brit had braked after the uphill stretch in the sprint race and lost a place. After third place in the short version over 100 kilometers in Red Bull star Verstappen’s victory, Norris wants to fight back and catch up on important points in the World Cup fight.
“That shouldn’t happen to me again,” emphasized Norris, referring to the loss of place in the sprint on the last lap when Carlos Sainz passed in the Ferrari. His problem: the tires on the McLaren were worn out. And the rubber is also a big concern for him before the race, as he said.
He is 54 points behind Verstappen in the standings. There are still six races left in the US Grand Prix, plus two sprint decisions. Norris’ chances of winning his first world title are still intact. “I’m excited. I think it’ll be a good fight that’s worth watching,” predicted Norris before the Grand Prix in Texas.
Source: Stern
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