Norris and Verstappen laugh at red flag: 'Max has done the same'

During qualifying for the Imola Grand Prix, Lando Norris caused a red flag after his crash in Q3. This prevented some drivers from completing their fast lap, including Sergio Perez. During the press conference after the race, the drivers can laugh about it.

According to Perez, a driver who causes a red flag should be penalized. Indeed, at some circuits it can provide an advantage. For example, in Monaco last year Charles Leclerc gained pole position after he ran into the wall in the closing stages of Q3. Max Verstappen was then unable to finish his fast lap.

Despite his crash, Norris secured himself a third place in qualifying. Perez did not get further than P7 due to the red flag, while the Mexican was working on improving his time. The three drivers can laugh about the red flag during the press conference, but Norris finds it difficult to say whether a driver should be penalized for it.

Verstappen: "Bad boy! (laughs)"

Norris: "Hey, everyone's done it at some point. I'm sure Max has… have you caused a red flag, Max?"

Verstappen: "Never, mate."

Norris: "That's a lie."

Perez: "Once in Baku last year when you went wrong around the main straight, crashing around on the main straight."

Verstappen: "Ah, that one."

Norris: "When you pushed the hard tyres too hard."

Verstappen: "I pushed my tyres too hard."

Norris: "Karma. I don't know what you want me to say. Of course after this weekend I would say no but yeah, you wish there was until it happens to you and then you wish there wasn't so it's kind of simple."