Reigning world champion Lando Norris has apologised to Franco Colapinto for demanding a race ban for the Alpine driver after the collision at Formula 1’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Colapinto caused a pile-up at the lap 36 restart by locking up into Turn 1 of the slippery Baku street circuit, which eliminated himself, team-mate Pierre Gasly and McLaren’s Norris. Norris was left furious by the accident, feeling Colapinto's careless driving should be punished harshly by F1's race stewards.

After two days to reflect, Norris has now rowed back those comments and says he has privately apologised to Colapinto, having sparked further online abuse that has overshadowed the Argentinian's F1 career. Norris posted on social media: "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." Me and Franco came to a good understanding, are still good friends and are both excited to get back racing this weekend.

Colapinto took responsibility for his "big mistake", which also angered Alpine chief Flavio Briatore as it cost the team a double points finish.