Joe Molloy

Then a young representative of the management team who was in the room steps closer to say, we're out of time.

I asked Norris if he can spare the additional 10 minutes I'd been promised.

He looks embarrassed and says, I'm not the boss.

As Don McRae points out, Norris is the Formula One world champion and his management company work for him.

When I protest this, he says, OK, it's fine.

I'm happy to answer the question.

No, says the representative in the room.

Norris smiles awkwardly as he again says, I'm not the boss.

Is it possible to catch Mercedes this season?

asked Don.

We're done with time, the management representative in the room says.

I asked Norris why even such a mild question cannot be addressed.

No, we're not answering that, the man says.

Even Norris looks exasperated as he turns to him and asks.

Why?

Just say yes, as in let me answer.

In the end, Norris decides to answer the bland query anyway.

Yes, Mercedes can be caught and we're doing our best to make sure it will be us who does it.

Oof.

Explosive.