Home » Sports » Formula 1 » McLaren

Lando Norris apologizes to Franco Colapinto for ‘some drivers shouldn’t be in Formula 1’ comments

A lock-up from Colapinto during the safety car restart caused Norris and Pierre Gasly to retire from Saturday's race in Baku.

By Sam Joseph · The Athletic

Published: Monday, 28 September 2026 at 1:08 PM

Key Things to Know

Lando Norris apologized to Franco Colapinto for comments suggesting some competitors do not belong in Formula 1.
Colapinto locked up on Lap 36 in Baku, causing a three-car collision involving Pierre Gasly and Norris.
The crash eliminated Colapinto, Gasly, and Norris from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The Story in 60 Seconds

McLaren driver Lando Norris issued an apology to Alpine driver Franco Colapinto following critical remarks made after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The controversy originated on Lap 36 during a safety car restart when Colapinto locked up into Turn 1, striking Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly, who subsequently collided with Norris. The crash eliminated all three competitors from the race.

After initially stating on F1 TV that certain drivers should receive bans and did not deserve to be in Formula 1, Norris posted on Instagram stating he sent Colapinto a direct apology. Colapinto received a 10-second penalty converted into a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Malaysia Grand Prix.

Read the full article on The Athletic