Norris apologises to Colapinto for race ban demand
Lando Norris says he has apologised to Franco Colapinto after saying he should receive a race ban for taking Norris and Pierre Gasly out of Formula 1's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Fresh from being wiped out in Baku by Colapinto on the first safety car restart, when the Alpine driver misjudged his braking point for the first corner, Norris told media right after the race that whoever caused the pile-up deserved a race ban.
He also referred to "some drivers that shouldn't be in Formula 1".
But on Monday morning Norris posted an Instagram story revealing he'd apologised to Colapinto for his comments.
"Tough weekend overall in Baku and of course a disappointing and early end to the race," said Norris.
"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 part of racing and fighting on the limit.
"Me and Franco came to a good understanding, and are still good friends and are both excited to get back racing this weekend."
The incident prompted huge social media discourse, with Alpine releasing a statement on Sunday calling out the online abuse directed towards all parties.
"As a team, we feel it's necessary to speak out once more about the hate and abuse online following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix," the statement read.
"Not only aimed at one of our own drivers, but also members of the Formula 1 community, including media, and to our racing counterparts who we respect, admire, and revel competing against in the pinnacle of motorsport.
"Mistakes happen when racing at the limit and no matter the result or outcome, nobody should be subject to hateful or abusive comments. Condemning abuse on social media is not aimed at any one fan base or the supporters of one team or driver, this is universal and should be called out and recognised to all fans of the sport.
"As we have said in previous instances, we strongly condemn the reaction of some fans online and stand in solidarity with Formula 1, the FIA, and other teams in wanting to stamp it out. It has become a regular occurrence in recent races and cannot be condoned. We know as a proud participant and stakeholder in the sport, we hold a responsibility to speak out and also help support in finding a solution.
"We will continue to work closely with the championship promoter and rights-holder, and the governing body to discuss ways in which to tackle online abuse and encourage healthy sporting rivalry, which Formula 1 is renowned for and what makes it so special."
