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Norris laughs at Marko after diminishing comment: 'It's amusing!'
- Cas van de Kleut
Lando Norris has responded to Red Bull's Helmut Marko's comments suggesting that he is not mentally strong enough to win a world title. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has already responded to the Austrian's statement, showing his disdain for what Marko said. Norris, on the other hand, hasn't been affected by Marko's mind games, instead focusing on himself as he heads into the last six races of the season.
Norris is in the midst of a battle with Max Verstappen for the world title. Currently, the Dutchman leads by 54 points, but the Brit has not yet given up the fight. Norris won the last race in Singapore before the autumn hiatus, finishing 20 seconds in front of second-placed Verstappen. The Brit also took his seventh career pole on Saturday and will line up in front of Max Verstappen once again in Texas.
In a possible attempt to get in Norris' head, Marko stated to Motorsport Magazin that Verstappen would be mentally a lot stronger than Norris. According to the Red Bull Racing advisor, the McLaren driver would have much weaker starts, not being strong enough to beat Verstappen. Marko also stated that Norris relies on certain rituals he needs to succeed on race days.
Norris laughs at Marko's statements:
That last statement, which many think would've affected him, would've most likely been misinterpreted, Norris laughingly told The Times: “He [Marko] says I have some rituals, but I think some of this is a translation difference. My only ritual is eating my chicken wraps! Just to beat them is the best way of doing it." (Getting into their heads)
Norris continued to elaborate on Marko's statements: “Red Bull love a little bit more of that, trying to play games and stuff. It used to affect me … now I just find it more amusing.” he concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon
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