Dr. Helmut Marko has openly criticized Lando Norris after the McLaren driver's collision with Max Verstappen in Austria.
Although Verstappen received a penalty for the high-profile clash for victory a t the Red Bull Ring, much of the press has portrayed it as a resurgence of the Dutchman's earlier controversial reputation.
Despite Norris, aged 24, being recently recognized by Marko as the most promising young talent in Formula 1, Red Bull's advisor found his post-race actions in Austria extremely disappointing.
For example, Norris declared that unless Verstappen fully acknowledges his fault in the crash, his friendship with the three-time world champion would be over.
"Norris's behaviour on the radio was pathetic," Marko conveyed to the Osterreich newspaper.
His comments that Max should apologise are also not very helpful. But they will meet to talk things out."
Marko disclosed that unlike their usual practice, Norris and Verstappen did not share a flight following the incident.
"They usually fly together," he noted, "but this time they were travelling separately. So Max had a quiet return flight."
"Things like this happen, and I would write it off as a racing accident - although Norris was the more likely one to have overstepped the mark," the 81-year-old further commented.
When inquired whether Norris' lack of experience at the forefront was a contributing factor, Marko affirmed, "Absolutely."
Though Red Bull's dominance has noticeably diminished in 2024, Marko assured that the team is focused on regaining their form.
"We'll hit back, we'll bring an upgrade to Silverstone," he stated. "But as I always say, our goal is the world championship, and the Austrian GP helped us to achieve that."
Regarding the well-known dispute between Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen in Austria, Marko made clear: "I'm not playing those games. We want to win the championship, and to do that we need to join forces."
"As long as Red Bull gives Max a car capable of winning and there is a certain harmony in the team, he will always fulfil his contract."
When asked about the possibility of Mercedes offering Verstappen a faster car, Marko responded, "If, if, if. At the moment, that is not the case."
He also dismissed the speculation about Red Bull facing significant issues with its upcoming engine project in partnership with Ford.
"Guess who is spreading these rumours?" Marko questioned. "We are right on schedule."
"There isn't a plan B. Our engine has to work. It will be exciting to see who will really be at the front. But in terms of horsepower, we will definitely be there."
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