It was only a month ago that whispers of Helmut Marko’s interest in Lando Norris began to circulate, as he was spotted in earnest conversation with Norris’ agent at Silverstone. The McLaren marvel showcased his mettle on his home turf, clinching an impressive P2 behind Max Verstappen. His tenacious defense against a relentless Lewis Hamilton made headlines, and Marko’s keen eyes didn’t miss a beat. And the rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen just got a new twist, as Marko appears to have snubbed the champion in favor of a rising prodigy.

In a candid interview, he lauded Norris as the standout among the young drivers, asserting that his spirited nature aligns seamlessly with Red Bull, he remarked “His youthful nature would also suit Red Bull the best” and he further mentions Norris’ contract with McLaren is until 2025 but he is strongest by far. Verstappen and Norris are also good friends, Marko’s insinuated that their camaraderie could translate into a formidable partnership, but Norris standing his ground against Lewis Hamilton could be a feat that seems to have turned Marko’s gaze in his direction.

While this proclamation sent shockwaves, it was Marko’s conspicuous dismissal of Lewis Hamilton that stirred the pot. In his unmistakable style, the Austrian didn’t mince words speaking to Motorsport-Magazin.com, “With Norris, I can well imagine that, with Hamilton I have a harder time.”The Red Bull advisor stated that it is good to have clarity on who is a faster driver. Thus, they tend to prioritize Verstappen as he is usually faster than his teammates & maintain harmony in the team.

Naturally, Hamilton being Max’s teammate may not be the most peaceful pairing. Adding further, Marko still explained how they don’t have an iron-clad rule of a number 1 driver, “In principle, we never have a stable order, but the entire team, atmosphere and competitiveness must not suffer…” The underlying message is clear: Norris fits the mold envisaged by Red Bull, although, the thought of integrating Lewis Hamilton into the Red Bull fold seems to conjure hurdles of a more complex nature.

Marko’s words harbor subtle nuances, but his unwavering faith in Max Verstappen as a game-changer continues to reverberate.

Read more: “Swap Max & Daniel Ricciardo”: Helmut Marko Faces Scathing Backlash Over Bold Verstappen Claim

Helmut Marko’s Unshakable Belief in Max Verstappen

Marko’s assertion that Max Verstappen would set a new standard in any F1 car resounds like a declaration of absolute faith. The Red Bull prodigy’s relentless pursuit of excellence has driven him to a position where he could theoretically claim victories even in a midfield position under challenging wet/dry conditions, as exemplified by Spa’s iconic track.

“Max would be in a class of his own in any car,” Marko declared. This resounding endorsement underlines Verstappen’s transcendence of mere machinery, emphasizing his innate ability to elevate any car’s performance, an attribute that goes beyond engineering. As he further adds, “The Max of 2020 cannot be compared with the Max of 2023–except for the similarity in name.” 

What do you think about Max Verstappen and Lando Norris’ partnership?

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