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Max Verstappen placed P2 in qualifying for the Singapore GP. Photo: RacePictures.

Verstappen takes swipe at ‘bored’ Norris for Singapore GP incident

22:06, 04 Oct

bySamson Ero

Max Verstappen has reacted to the qualifying incident involving Lando Norris during the Singapore Grand Prix. The Red Bull Racing driver hinted that the 25-year-old might have been “bored”, which could have contributed to the incident.

But then, sometimes it happens on a street circuit that people are bored and make mistakes.

- Max Verstappen

Verstappen, who spoke to the media following the conclusion of qualifying at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, explained that it’s never pleasant to be involved in such an incident while on a push lap. He also suggested that the situation could have been avoided.

“No. I think it's quite clear that's something that is not nice when it happens to someone. I think in general, we are always quite good at that, all the drivers.”

“We try to stay out of the way. It's always a bit more complicated in certain scenarios. Every scenario is a bit different. But in this case, in Q3 with only ten cars on the track, I think it could have been avoided.”

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Max Verstappen at the Red Bull Racing garage following the qualifying session at the Singapore Grand Prix - Photo: RacePictures.

Verstappen further suggested that perhaps Norris being bored might have played a role in the incident. The four-time world champion once again stressed that the situation could have been prevented.

“In qualifying, you always try to leave gaps of about six or seven seconds at least, because you want no disturbance. Normally, of course, in Q3, you don't see a car unless you're on a different programme.”

“But I think around here, it's quite clear what you want to do, so you leave quite big gaps. But then, sometimes it happens on a street circuit that people are bored and make mistakes.”

“When you then get a car two or three seconds in front of you, you need every bit of clean air that you can have on a Q3 lap, especially because you're fully on the limit with braking and everything. I lost a bit of downforce with that, so I went straight on.”

During the Singapore Grand Prix qualifying session, Verstappen, who was on a push lap in the final session, was forced to abort his run as he aimed for pole position. The Red Bull driver, who appeared to lock up entering the final corner, was further unsettled by the turbulent air from Norris, who was completing his in-lap after his own run.

Norris reacts to incident with Verstappen

Norris also shared his thoughts on the incident involving Verstappen. The McLaren driver remarked that the Red Bull team often complains about such situations.

The British driver added that he wasn’t aware Verstappen was on a push lap behind him at the time.

Verstappen would eventually qualify in second place behind George Russell, while Norris posted a lap quick enough for fifth under the Singapore night sky.

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