Red Bull Racing’s senior advisor Helmut Marko sharply criticized Lando Norris for obstructing Max Verstappen during the Dutch driver’s final qualifying attempt at the Singapore Grand Prix. The incident, which occurred on Saturday at the Marina Bay Circuit, sparked controversy as Verstappen believed Norris’s actions cost him vital time in the closing moments of qualifying.
Max Verstappen was visibly frustrated after his last flying lap, feeling that Norris, driving for McLaren, slowed down unexpectedly in the final chicane, disrupting his rhythm. The Briton was seen easing into the pit lane, which caught Verstappen off guard. This lost time potentially prevented Verstappen from challenging George Russell for pole position.
Helmut Marko Condemns Norris for Impeding Verstappen’s Final Lap
Following the session, Marko voiced his disapproval on behalf of Red Bull Racing, calling Norris’s move “incomprehensible.” He explained that Red Bull was already ahead by a significant margin before the last two corners, but Norris’s presence blocked Verstappen’s momentum.
“It was very, very close – as we expected. But Norris’s move was incomprehensible. We were already one and a half tenths up on our previous lap,” said Marko, via GPBlog.
“He completely blocked Max in the final two corners. For Norris, there was nothing to gain, so I just don’t understand it. I hope he simply didn’t look in his mirrors. I can’t imagine it was intentional,” he added.
Despite the onboard footage showing Norris clearly within the pit lane entry as Verstappen approached the final chicane, the four-time world champion maintained that the interference cost him valuable time. Verstappen ultimately qualified second and will start Sunday’s race from P2, trailing pole sitter George Russell.
Lando Norris Fires Back at Red Bull and Verstappen’s Accusations
In response to the backlash, Lando Norris expressed frustration at Red Bull’s repeated complaints. He defended his actions, insisting that the team often uses such situations to raise issues following qualifying sessions.
“They always complain. They complain about everything, that’s Red Bull.”
Norris also addressed his qualifying performance, acknowledging that McLaren’s pace was insufficient to match the frontrunners, especially Mercedes. Starting from P5, he will race behind Kimi Antonelli and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who sits third and remains a key championship contender.
Singapore GP Qualifying Results and Starting Grid Overview
The qualifying session saw George Russell clinch pole position for the second time this season, achieving the best lap at the tight and demanding Marina Bay Circuit. Max Verstappen secured the second spot on the grid but was denied the top spot due to the incident in the final chicane. Kimi Antonelli will begin fourth, followed by Lando Norris in fifth.
Oscar Piastri’s solid third place highlights McLaren’s ongoing battle in the midfield, particularly against Mercedes and Red Bull. These starting positions set the stage for an intense race, where track position will be crucial given Singapore’s limited overtaking opportunities.
Implications of the Incident and What Lies Ahead
This qualifying controversy adds to the tension between the Red Bull Racing and McLaren teams, intensifying the competitive atmosphere as the season progresses. Verstappen’s outspoken criticism, backed by Marko, is likely to fuel further scrutiny on on-track conduct in future sessions.
Meanwhile, Norris’s blunt response underscores the mounting pressure within the paddock as teams vie for crucial championship points. With Verstappen starting just behind Russell and Piastri close by, the upcoming race promises to be a decisive battleground in the 2025 Formula One season.
Lando Norris responded to Max Verstappen’s post-qualifying comments.
The drama continues. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/GxHnAjhjR1
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) October 4, 2025
