Red Bull's Helmut Marko has come under fire for his remarks regarding Lando Norris' mental fortitude. Marko suggested that Norris lacks the mental strength necessary to challenge Max Verstappen effectively. In response to these comments, McLaren's chief executive, Zak Brown, labeled Marko's statements as "inappropriate" and in "poor taste." The criticism arose during the lead-up to the US Grand Prix, where Marko stated that Norris is "not the strongest mentally." As the weekend unfolds, Max Verstappen has secured pole position for the sprint race in Austin, further intensifying the competitive atmosphere.