Norris Issues Private Apology to Colapinto Over Controversial Race Ban Remarks

Reigning world champion Lando Norris has apologized to Franco Colapinto after previously demanding a race ban for the Alpine driver following their collision at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Colapinto triggered a multi-car pile-up during the lap 36 restart by locking up at Turn 1 on the slippery Baku street circuit, which eliminated himself, teammate Pierre Gasly, and McLaren’s Norris.

Norris was initially furious about the incident, arguing that Colapinto’s careless driving warranted severe punishment from the FIA’s race stewards.

“I’ve not seen it. I just got taken out. I think the FIA should be stricter and start handing out bans for this kind of stuff,” Norris vented.

“It’s careless from people. It costs a lot of money. All my parts are in the bin now. People should just get banned, because that’s not driving that deserves to be in Formula 1.”

When questioned about whether there were mitigating circumstances for the crash on the slippery circuit, Norris added, “Grip is going to be low. Tyre temps are low, they weren’t even that low. In Formula 1, we want to be against the best drivers in the world, and when stuff like this happens, it’s because [they] shouldn’t be there.”

“I’ve not seen it, but if you cause a crash in a restart like this, you should have at least a one-race ban.”

Franco Colapinto, Alpine, Lando Norris, McLaren, Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Photo by: Michael Potts / LAT images via Getty Images

However, with the benefit of two days to reflect on the incident, Norris has walked back those comments. He says he has privately apologized to Colapinto, whose F1 career has been shadowed by further online abuse stemming from the controversy.

“Tough weekend overall in Baku and of course a disappointing and early end to the race,” Norris posted on social media.

“After the race, I sent Franco a message apologising for the comments I made that I simply should not have said.”

“I know better and emotions were running high but that is not an excuse, it was wrong of me. I’ve made mistakes of my own over the years and I know this is very much a part of racing and fighting on the limit.”

“Me and Franco came to a good understanding, are still good friends and are both excited to get back racing this weekend.”

Colapinto accepted responsibility for his “big mistake,” a move that also angered Alpine chief Flavio Briatore, as the incident cost the team a double points finish.

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