Marko backs Verstappen: 'Of course we were within our rights'

Max Verstappen could step on the podium at the Circuit of the Americas, even as he finished in P4 on track. That is because Lando Norris received a five-second penalty for overtaking the Dutchman as he left the track. The team's external advisor Helmut Marko fully understands the stewards decision at the US Grand Prix.

"There are more and more rules. Of course we were in our right, he overtook outside the track," the Austrian began to Sky Sports DE after the race. Andrea Stella, McLaren's team principal begs to the differ, as he previously told Sky Sports it was an 'inappropriate' decision, and after their review, they saw that Verstappen also left the track, therefore, giving back the position was not necessary.

Marko then continued with reviewing the battle between the two championship contenders, while he also praised Verstappen. "It was a shame because it was a really great duel and especially Max was incredibly good. He kept him behind for so many laps. Only Max can do that because his front tyres were already relatively close to the end," Marko continued.

The Red Bull man also said he is in favour of having more gravel traps next to the corners. "If you lose time [off the track], then the whole drama with stewards stops."

The battle in the drivers' championship between Verstappen and Norris will continue next weekend in Mexico. During this final quarter of the 2024 season, the Dutchman could get off to a better start, as he finished ahead of his rival during both the Sprint and the Grand Prix. The gap now stands at 57 points, favouring the Red Bull driver.

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