Red Bull is preparing for a tougher challenge at this weekend's race in Mexico, according to Dr. Helmut Marko.
Successfully overcoming a serious mid-season slump with a car update, the reigning champions managed to extend Max Verstappen's points lead over Lando Norris at the US Grand Prix.
Dutch racing personality Tom Coronel believes this marked a pivotal moment in the 2024 championship.
"Both Lando and Max are determined – Max is just more aggressive. He's a fighter," Coronel told Viaplay. "He never gives up."
"Max is solely focused on the championship, and I think it's over now. It's over for Norris."
Marko likened Verstappen's approach to that of a squirrel gathering every opportunity he can find.
"He picks up every nut he sees lying around," Marko told De Telegraaf. "He has the experience for that, and so do we as a team."
Dutch commentator Olav Mol shared a similar view with Ziggo Sport, suggesting that if Verstappen can maintain his points gap above 57 points, the title could even be decided two races before the season ends.
"You could tell Max was thinking, 'Let those Ferraris do their thing. Norris is in my rear-view mirror – that's fine with me,'" Mol remarked.
Mol also noted that McLaren's recent ban of their 'mini DRS' wing has impacted their top speed.
"McLaren have undoubtedly paid a price in top speed," Mol said. "That wing wasn't there for nothing."
Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos agreed, pointing to how much of a difference the wing made in earlier races.
"In Baku, (Charles) Leclerc could even pass Oscar Piastri with DRS. That's how much difference it made," Doornbos explained.
However, despite Red Bull's recent success, Marko is cautious about the upcoming race in Mexico, suggesting that the circuit may not favor their car as much as Austin did.
"It will be more difficult for us there," Marko admitted.
He also warned that George Russell, in the Mercedes, showed remarkable pace in Texas at times and shouldn't be underestimated.
"For Mexico, I see a four-way battle between Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and us," he said.
Marko added that if the teams continue to take turns winning, it could work in Red Bull's favor.
"Texas was a bit much for the heart and pulse rate. I just hope not every race goes like that," he joked.
