Norris surprises Marko after finishing behind Verstappen in qualifying
Red Bull Contentpool
F1 News
After FP3, it was not easy to imagine a McLaren not winning qualiying at the Mexico City Grand Prix, as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris had more than half a second of a lead in the final practice session. Yet, there was no McLaren driver on the front row, with Carlos Sainz taking pole position ahead of Max Verstappen. Advisor Helmut Marko was just as surprised.
Marko could only raise his eyebrows following qualifying. While Verstappen had a difficult weekend in Mexico so far, McLaren were on course for a great result. However, the British team failed to capitalise so far. Norris' peformance in particular was a disappointment fro the Austrian advisor. "I expected more from him. Especially after the third free practice in which McLaren was much faster than everything and everyone," he told De Telegraaf.
Marko once again sees 'magical Verstappen lap'
On the other hand, Marko was once again very proud of Verstappen's performance, saying he could once again put together a "a magical lap". He then continued: "That's Max. This is something he can do on his own. He just doesn't know any pressure. It's unbelievable," said Marko, referring to the fact that the Dutchman's first lap was taken away for track limits in Q3.
He could complete his second run within the limits, and while he was not close to Carlos Sainz, the Dutchman will start from ahead of his championship rival Lando Norris, as the Briton finished in P3.
This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen
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