Marko explains 'alarming' gap between Verstappen and Norris

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has reacted to the team's “alarming” gap to McLaren at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Lando Norris secured his second career win by dominating the field and leading Verstappen across the line by over 20 seconds.

Verstappen has now gone five races with a victory with Red Bull's rivals closing the gap across the last handful of events.

Marko conceded that McLaren was “superior” at Zandvoort after besting Red Bull to pole position and race victory by a large margin.

"We could not keep up with the pace at all," Marko told Sky Deutschland. "At the beginning the pace was equivalent, but then the tyres started to wear and you could see how easily Lando overtook us.

“And when Lando drives 1:13.8 on the very last lap without DRS, it shows that McLaren was clearly superior here. 

“We also have to remember that Sergio Perez's last stint was faster than Max's. They were driving with different setups. 

“Maybe it wasn't the right choice that we gave Max more downforce, because we weren't fast enough in terms of top speed and it didn't help us in the corners. There is still a lot of work to do and this provides food for thought.”

Marko pinpoints tyre wear concerns

Verstappen was heard complaining over the team radio about the car's behaviour during the race as he struggled to stay with Norris.

Marko confirmed the biggest problem facing Verstappen during the race was his tyre life.

"The big problem was tyre wear," Marko stated. "He started sliding and couldn't push anymore. 

“But in the end, of course, he controlled the gap to the back. Up front he had no chance."

Adding to ServusTV, Marko highlighted: "We are clearly being beaten, so that is alarming. I do think it was partly down to the track, though. 

“It was also about the relatively low temperature. And it was interesting that after the pit stop, Piastri drove about the same pace as Lando and nothing worked when he was stuck behind Charles Leclerc. 

“Unfortunately, that was not the case with Lando when he overtook Max.”