Helmut Marko Lifts the Lid on Max Verstappen’s Masterplan That Kept Lando Norris’ Mounting Threat at Bay

With another race and yet another checkered flag sighting for Max Verstappen, the paddock buzzes with speculation over his seemingly growing fondness for sprint races. Addressing this notion head-on, Red Bull Racing’s Helmut Marko shed light on the strategy that fueled Verstappen’s recent success, particularly in his latest duel against Lando Norris.

During a segment on ServusTV, the conversation pivoted to Verstappen’s performance, where the 80-year-old advisor to the Red Bull team was quick to clarify the situation. Marko, with a career’s worth of insight, explained that while love for the sprint format might not be driving Verstappen, the Dutch driver’s knack for seizing opportunities certainly is.

Max Verstappen’s Brazilian GP sprint masterclass

Marko recounted the critical moments of the race, highlighting Verstappen’s intent to make his move on Norris right from the get-go. “No, but he does score points where possible. It was clear that he wanted to attack Lando (Norris, ed.) in the first corner,” Marko stated on ServusTV as quoted by F1 Maximaal, referencing Red Bull’s champ with a hint of admiration.

The gap between Verstappen and Norris was razor-thin, never exceeding two seconds for the bulk of the race. However, in a display of tactical prowess, Verstappen kicked into a higher gear towards the end, pulling away decisively. “It’s interesting that it wasn’t until the end of the race that he started driving seriously fast. At that moment he accelerated, and before that he was purely tactical, saving the tires and keeping the distance the same, so that Lando did not come within DRS distance,” Marko observed, revealing the meticulous planning behind Verstappen’s apparent ease at maintaining the lead.

Marko’s laughter punctuated his commentary, signifying both the joy and the relief that comes with a well-executed plan, especially when the victory, in his words, was never in doubt.

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This might be etched as the most riveting Sprint showdown of the season. The Dutchman, who started alongside Lando Norris, quickly outmaneuvered his rival, securing the lead in a decisive move at the Senna S in the opening lap—a position he maintained to the checkered flag.

A Sprint to Remember

The short, sharp battle at Interlagos, spanning 24 laps, was brimming with action that saw Sergio Perez stage a remarkable recovery. After a tumultuous beginning, the Red Bull driver exhibited audacity with multiple overtakes to seize third place, leaving fans and competitors alike in awe of his tenacity.

While Norris remained a constant in Verstappen’s rearview mirror, the reigning champion’s command was unmistakable, keeping the McLaren driver at a comfortable distance. Towards the tail end of the Sprint, Hamilton’s Mercedes seemed to grapple with tire issues, losing its edge as both Charles Leclerc and Yuki Tsunoda deftly passed, leaving Hamilton trailing.

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As the final laps unfolded, Verstappen’s lead was unchallenged, steering him straight to victory with Norris and Perez completing the podium. This electrifying chapter at Interlagos not only served as proof of Verstappen’s supremacy but also provided a gripping narrative that reinvigorated the very essence of the Sprint format, leaving fans and drivers alike in eager anticipation for the next season’s racing exploits.