Horner sympathises with Masi over "incredibly tough" red-flag call

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has conceded the changeable weather conditions made qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix "incredibly tough" for race director Michael Masi.

McLaren driver Lando Norris crashed heavily at Eau Rouge just minutes into the final phase of qualifying after both himself and Sebastian Vettel reported aquaplaning over the team radio.

Although the Briton has since been cleared to race on Sunday, there has been some criticism aimed at Masi for failing to red flag the session before the accident occurred.

“That’s a really tough one," Horner told Sky Sports F1. "Just before that session, we were debating whether it was inters or not.

"The conditions changed so quickly that obviously, on the out lap the drivers were saying it’s incredibly wet.

“It’s incredibly tough for the race director so thankfully the car has done its job, the barriers and all the safety provisions too and thankfully Lando is okay.”

After the session was restarted, Max Verstappen was able to secure pole position from Williams driver George Russell with championship rival Lewis Hamilton third.

Asked the opinions of his drivers of the Q3 track conditions prior to Norris' crash, Horner added: “They were saying it was right on the edge.

"Max was saying there was a lot of aquaplaning on the straight. He was obviously a bit further behind but it was right on the edge and changing so quickly.”

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