Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko is confident that Max Verstappen will prevail against Lando Norris in the 2024 F1 title battle, citing what he perceives as the "mental weaknesses" of the McLaren driver.
Norris has emerged as Verstappen’s closest challenger following the summer break, scoring 80 points – including two wins – to Verstappen’s 54 points and no victories in the same period.
However, the Dutchman still retains a 52-point lead over his rival with six rounds – including three Sprint events – to go.
But the momentum is clearly with McLaren, although Red Bull’s performance in Singapore last time out hinted at a potential turnaround for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
Marko remains unshaken in his belief that Verstappen’s talent and resilience will see him through to the end.
Asked on Motorsport Magazin's YouTube channel who he expected to emerge as the 2024 champion, Marko didn’t hesitate: "Verstappen!"
When pressed on why he was so certain, given Norris’ recent form and Red Bull’s inconsistencies, Marko was clear in his reasoning.
“He’s the best, he’s the fastest, and, above all, he has the mental strength to theoretically fight for the world championship more than Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris.”
Marko went further in his assessment of Norris, suggesting that the McLaren driver’s mental approach could be a weakness in the intense battle for the title.
"We know Norris has some mental weaknesses," Marko claimed. "I've read about some of the rituals he needs to do to perform well on race day."
While Marko did not elaborate on the specifics of these so-called weaknesses, his comments seem to point toward Norris’ own admission of pre-race nerves and anxiety.
Norris has been open about the psychological challenges he faces in the high-pressure environment of Formula 1, particularly as he now finds himself fighting for wins and podiums more regularly.
However, the 24-year-old has insisted that while nerves are a factor, they do not overwhelm him.
"I don't think of it at all," Norris said recently when asked if he feels extra pressure now that he’s contending for the title.
"I think there's always pressure, which is the main thing. For the races, I still get just as excited and just as nervous."
"I don't eat anything on Sundays. I struggle to drink on Sundays, just because I’m nervous, just because of the pressure."
©McLaren
Despite these nerves, Norris believes he has learned how to channel them into positive energy that enhances his performance.
"I think it's just how you turn it into a positive thing, how do you not let it affect you in a bad way," he explained. "How can you actually use it in a good way to help you focus on the correct things?"
With six races left and plenty of points still up for grabs, the battle between Verstappen and Norris is set to go down to the wire.
McLaren’s resurgence, combined with Norris' own determination, will certainly keep the fight alive.
But for Marko, there is no question: Max Verstappen’s mental strength will ensure he emerges victorious once again.
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