Red Bull's Helmut Marko doubles down on his 'mentally weak' criticism against Lando Norris amid backlash

Red Bull's Helmut Marko has doubled down on his remarks about Lando Norris being mentally weak amid criticism from McLaren boss Zak Brown. In the days leading up to F1 US GP in Austin, Marko was questioned about who he thinks is the favorite to win the title. The Austrian had picked Max Verstappen over Norris, citing the Brit's struggles with mental health in the past.

Marko claimed that not only was Verstappen the faster driver of the two, but he was mentally stronger. The Austrian pointed out how the McLaren driver has a few rituals he likes to do before getting ready for a race, hinting that it was may not be the most ideal approach.

Marko's comments invited a lot of backlash during the race weekend, with McLaren team boss Zak Brown claiming that the Austrian's comments take the sport 10-20 years back. The Red Bull special advisor has, however, doubled down on his claims and said that he simply answered the question he was asked and that evidence backs his claims. Here's what he told Motorsport Magazin:

"I was asked who is going to win the world championship, and then I said that it will be Max, because he is the strongest mentally and because he is the fastest driver. And if you look at how many times Max wins positions or maintains his position at the start and how Lando does in that, I think [it becomes obvious.]"

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"Disappointing, but not surprising" - Zak Brown criticises Red Bull chief for comments on Lando Norris

Zak Brown had earlier commented on Helmut Marko's remarks, where he stated that mental health should be treated with seriousness. Not only Lando Norris but Toto Wolff has also acknowledged seeking assistance for these challenges.

Highlighting the regressive nature of the comments, Brown claimed that Marko was taking the sport 10-20 years back.

"I read Helmut's comments, which I thought were disappointing but not surprising. Lando has been an ambassador for mental health. Toto [Wolff, Mercedes team principal] has spoken about mental health. It's a serious issue we've tried to talk about, to bring to the forefront, to make it okay to talk about, so to maybe kind of choose, poking at that situation, is pretty inappropriate and sets us back 10, 20 years."

The start of the F1 US GP has not been the best for McLaren. While Red Bull appears to have found form, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri struggled to put together a strong enough lap during the sprint shootout.

Red Bull's return to form has seen Max Verstappen secure pole position (for the US GP sprint) for the first time in the second half of the season, further mounting pressure on McLaren and Lando Norris.