Norris apologizes to Colapinto over race-ban comments

Lando Norris has apologized to Franco Colapinto for comments he made after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, admitting that his reaction to the incident that ended his race went too far.  

Norris was eliminated from the race in Baku after Colapinto slowed heavily while managing the restart behind the safety car. Pierre Gasly hit the Alpine from behind, with Norris caught in the resulting collision.

Speaking after the race, Norris said some drivers “shouldn’t be in F1” and suggested the FIA should consider handing out race bans for mistakes of that nature. He also singled out Colapinto, saying the Argentine deserved “at least a one-race ban”.

The comments drew attention over the following days, with Norris later saying he had received online abuse as the story spread. Ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix, the McLaren driver addressed the incident in an Instagram statement and apologized to Colapinto.

Norris said he made the comments while angry and acknowledged they should not have been said. He also confirmed that he had contacted Colapinto privately after the race to apologize.

The reigning world champion admitted that he has made mistakes himself during his career and accepted that incidents are part of competing at the limit in Formula 1. He said he and Colapinto had reached an understanding over what happened in Baku and remained friends.

The incident came at a difficult time for Colapinto, who was also questioned by Alpine over his handling of the restart. 

The Argentine will now head to Sepang looking to put the Baku weekend behind him as he continues his season in Formula 1.

Norris’ apology also ends one of the main talking points from Baku. Norris has withdrawn his earlier comments about a possible ban and accepted that his frustration after losing his race was not enough to justify what he said.

Both drivers will now turn their attention to Malaysia, where Norris will continue his title defense and Colapinto will look to recover after a difficult weekend in Azerbaijan.