Marko passes 'deciding factor' verdict on Norris

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has insisted that Lando Norris' five-second time penalty during the United States Grand Prix was the "deciding factor" in the team's race. 

Norris received a five-second time penalty for gaining an advantage off the circuit on lap 52, which saw him overtake Max Verstappen for third at Turn 12. 

The Briton entered the corner on the outside of the reigning world champion, with both drivers having then run wide and off the circuit. 

However, the pivotal point is that Norris rejoined ahead of Verstappen, triggering the penalty. Norris did cross the finish-line ahead of the Dutchman, but dropped behind to fourth once his time penalty was added. 

McLaren argued that the action by the stewards was "inappropriate", whilst Marko did not see it the same way. 

He accepted that Verstappen's pace was not as strong as it had been in the F1 sprint – which he won – but that moving five points further ahead of Norris in the drivers' title was vital. 

"We did not have the speed of the sprint race," Marko told Servus TV. "Ferrari drove an incredible pace, but for us Lando was of course the deciding factor. 

"I think the penalty was justified and we gained five points. We are more than satisfied."

Charles Leclerc claimed victory at the Circuit of the Americas with Carlos Sainz securing a Ferrari one-two, moving the Italian outfit back into contention for the constructors' championship, having slipped back since the Italian Grand Prix.

Now, Ferrari are just eight points behind Red Bull and 48 behind McLaren, with Marko hoping the Maranello-based team's form does not continue. 

"I believe with Ferrari it's very much down to the circuit," assessed Marko. "I hope they don't continue like this, but the lead over Leclerc is big enough."