Lando Norris has apologised to Franco Colapinto after suggesting he did not belong in Formula 1. The McLaren star unleashed a furious tirade after Colapinto's error caused a crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that saw him forced out of the race.
Crash in Baku
Colapinto misjudged his braking into the first corner from a restart in Baku and hit his team-mate Pierre Gasly, whose car was sent into Norris' McLaren on its outside. The world champion spun into the barriers while both Alpines were forced to retire, with the trio all in line for points.
In the aftermath, Norris questioned the Argentine's credentials and suggested he should be banned following the crash.
Norris's initial reaction
"At the end of the day, I just got taken out," Norris said following the race. "Just some drivers that shouldn't be in Formula 1, to be honest."
"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," he added. "I just got taken out. And the FIA should be stricter by starting to hand out bans for this kind of stuff."
Apology and agreement
But now, Norris has expressed regret over his words and conceded his emotions were running high. The 26-year-old has revealed that he came to an agreement with Colapinto.
"Tough weekend overall in Baku and of course a disappointing and early end to the race," Norris said. "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."
