Norris and Verstappen joke: 'It's all the driver mate!"

Lando Norris was the surprise on the podium in Imola. The McLaren driver took third place, behind both Red Bull Racing drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

Norris started the race from fourth position, so an ideal spot for a throw at the podium. Yet his third place was not expected, because in principle the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc was also faster. The Monegasque saw his hopes of a podium dashed in the final phase, however, after he spun off the track.

After a disastrous start to the season, McLaren showed potential at Imola. In the first races of the season, Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris competed in the midfield and sometimes even behind. Now there was a resurgence. Afterwards, it led to the question of how fast the McLaren really is? What followed was an interesting conversation between Norris and Verstappen.

Norris: "Hmmm… I mean, if I want to be like George, I'll say I had like the seventh fastest car!"

Verstappen: "You should say it’s all the driver, mate! All the driver!"

Norris: "It is."

Verstappen: "You had the worst car!"

Norris: "Yeah, we’re ninth or tenth – but my driving this weekend has been pretty amazing!"