Reigning Formula 1 champion Lando Norris apologised to Alpine driver Franco Colapinto for his harsh remarks after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix crash. Colapinto caused a Safety Car restart incident in Baku by locking his brakes and hitting teammate Pierre Gasly, sending both into Norris' McLaren. Norris initially said some drivers "shouldn't be in Formula 1" and called for one‑race bans, but later posted on Instagram acknowledging his mistake and confirming a mutual understanding with Colapinto.

Colapinto also apologised to Gasly and Norris, though he received a five‑place grid penalty for Bahrain. The incident sparked a social media backlash, prompting Alpine to condemn online abuse directed at drivers and team members. Alpine previously defended Colapinto's fans after a Zandvoort penalty and a Spanish Grand Prix dispute involving Gasly.

Both Norris and Colapinto say they remain friends and are eager for the next race.