Marko starts the mind games for Verstappen with comment on Norris' starts

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Helmut Marko with mixed feelings about P2 Max Verstappen

Helmut Marko is delighted that Max Verstappen qualified on the front row of the grid for the Singapore Grand Prix, but the Red Bull Racing advisor is left with mixed feelings about the result. Marko believes pole position was possible. But the external Red Bull advisor has started the mind games by highlighting Lando Norris' run of results from pole position.

Marko: 'Verstappen could have been on pole'

After qualifying, Marko was initially pleased with Verstappen's good result. "We are very happy, especially after the disaster we experienced in practice on Friday. We were a bit unlucky because Max's first time was dropped, even though he was improving," he explained to the German branch of Sky Sports.

"So he lost a tenth and a half. I think that would have been enough for pole position and moreover he could have taken more risks in the second run. But again: after Friday's result, we wouldn't have even dared to dream of this," the 81-year-old Austrian added.

Marko also expresses his expectations for the race. "The distance to the first corner is relatively short. But so far Norris' starts have not been great and Max will definitely try to take advantage of that. And when someone knows that you haven't been able to convert any of all your nine poles into a win, I think there is some tension there," Marko refers to Lando Norris' often disappointing starts.

This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton