‘It was wrong of me’ – Norris apologises to Colapinto for Azerbaijan post-race comments

Lando Norris has apologised to Franco Colapinto for comments he made immediately after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, admitting “it was wrong of me” to do so.

Colapinto locked up and went too deep at Turn 1 during the first Safety Car restart at the Baku City Circuit, taking out both Alpine team mate Pierre Gasly and the McLaren of Norris.

The stewards subsequently gave Colapinto a 10-second time penalty, which was converted into a five-place grid drop for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, given that the Argentinian did not finish Saturday’s race.

Speaking in the media pen following his own retirement, Norris stated that there are “some drivers that shouldn’t be in F1”, while also suggesting Colapinto should be banned.

On Monday, with the dust settling on the situation, Norris took to social media to explain that he had directly apologised to Colapinto, and they “are still good friends”.

“Tough weekend overall in Baku and of course a disappointing and early end to the race,” read a statement posted by Norris on Instagram.

“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.”