Zak Brown SLAMS Helmut Marko for commenting on Lando Norris’ ‘mental weakness’

McLaren CEO Zak Brown evaluates Helmut Marko's remarks on Lando Norris's mental strength as a strategy in the title race.

Zak Brown SLAMS Helmut Marko for commenting on Lando Norris’ ‘mental weakness’

Zak Brown Helmut Marko and Lando Norris (image via IMAGO)

Before a Formula 1 race, drivers face intense mental pressure that can reveal their vulnerabilities, leading to anxiety and self-doubt. As McLaren’s Lando Norris enters fierce competition, he faces even more pressure. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko noted they could use this to defend Max Verstappen‘s 52-point lead and reclaim their Constructors’ title. However, McLaren CEO Zak Brown was not happy with these comments.

Lando Norris has been candid about his mental health challenges, particularly during his debut season in 2019. He openly admitted to feeling depressed and anxious about his future in Formula 1. To cope, the Briton developed pre-race rituals that help calm his nerves and improve his focus on race day.

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Meanwhile, CEO Zak Brown expressed disappointment over Helmut Marko’s comment that highlighted the lengths a team might go to win through tactics. Brown believes that sportsmanship should always remain at the forefront of the competition.

I read elements, comments which I thought were disappointing but not surprising. Lando has been kind of an ambassador for mental health.

Zak Brown told Motor Sport-Magazine

Zak Brown recognizes teams use different racing strategies but insists some topics, especially mental health, should never be made light of. He expressed that Dr. Helmut Marko’s comment crossed a line and was in poor taste, undermining the integrity that the sport should uphold. Brown emphasized that targeting someone’s mental health for personal or competitive gain is unacceptable. It is a serious issue that can have significant consequences for drivers.

So to poke at that situation, I think is pretty inappropriate and kind of sets us back 10, 20 years, but it’s all fun and games in how some people go racing and what tactics they use from a sporting perspective. But I thought that one was in pretty poor taste.

Zak Brown highlighted.

Zak Brown reveals Lando Norris’s excitement for the championship battle

Zak Brown emphasizes Lando Norris’s positive attitude and newfound focus. The 24-year-old knows exactly what’s at stake, sitting just 52 points away from the top of the drivers’ standings. Brown highlights how serious the British driver has become for the final six races, approaching each one with determination.

Lando Norris and Zak Brown
Lando Norris and Zak Brown (Via: Imago)

He collaborates closely with his engineers, manages his media responsibilities, and makes sure to take time for relaxation. This balance fuels his drive, showing that while he’s serious about winning, he also understands the importance of maintaining a healthy mindset.

He comes into the race weekends, like Oscar and like I would imagine all the grand prix drivers, very focused on the job at hand, sitting down with his engineers, doing his commercial work, his media work, relaxing, etcetera, so he’s very focused.

Zak Brown stated.

Certainly, As Lando Norris nears the end of the season, he feels confident about winning his first championship title at 24. Fans are excited to see if the Briton can close the points gap and achieve victory. Although the challenge is tough, his determination and talent keep everyone curious about his journey.