Lando Norris, the current Formula 1 World Champion, publicly expressed remorse to Franco Colapinto for the harsh words he uttered following the crash that eliminated both drivers from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The accident unfolded during a Safety Car restart in Baku when Colapinto, attempting to accelerate out of the first corner, locked his brakes and collided with his Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly. Gasly’s car was then forced into the side of Norris’s McLaren, ending the British driver’s race as well. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Norris did not hold back.
He told the media, "There are some drivers who shouldn't be in Formula 1," and suggested that drivers responsible for such incidents should be handed a one‑race ban. His comments sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with many fans and commentators condemning both Colapinto’s driving error and Norris’s blunt assessment. Colapinto, for his part, offered an apology to both Gasly and Norris during his post‑race interview.
Nevertheless, the Argentine driver received a five‑place grid penalty for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, which this year will be staged at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. On Monday morning, Norris took to Instagram to clarify his position. He wrote: "Tough weekend overall in Baku and, of course, a disappointing and early end to the race. 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." He continued, "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." The apology was meant to smooth over the tension that had built up between the two young drivers and to signal that the rivalry had not turned personal. The fallout from the Baku crash and Norris’s initial outburst quickly turned into a broader discussion about online abuse in Formula 1.
Alpine released a statement on Sunday denouncing the hateful messages that had been directed at drivers, team personnel, and even officials after the incident. The team emphasized that the abuse was not aimed at any single fan base but was a universal problem that needed to be addressed. Alpine’s statement read in part: "As a team, we feel it is necessary to speak out once more about the hate and abuse online following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Not only aimed at one of our own drivers, but also members of the Formula 1 community, including media, and our racing counterparts who we respect, admire, and revel in 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." The team added that they condemn any online harassment regardless of the fan group involved and pledged solidarity with the FIA, other teams, and the sport’s governing bodies to eradicate such behaviour. This is not the first time Alpine has spoken out; earlier in the season, the team defended its drivers after Colapinto received a drive‑through penalty for overtaking under double‑yellow flags at Zandvoort, an incident that also attracted a wave of negative comments directed at the FIA stewards and Alpine staff.
Pierre Gasly, who was also caught up in the Baku incident, faced abuse after the Spanish Grand Prix when he briefly blocked Colapinto’s overtaking attempt. Gasly disclosed that some of the threats even extended to his family, highlighting how quickly on‑track drama can spill over into personal attacks. Colapinto himself has spoken about the toll that social‑media harassment takes on drivers.
After the controversy in Madrid, he said it is "never nice to get" such abuse and stressed that the problem is not limited to his own supporters. Alpine’s latest statement tried to avoid alienating any particular fan group, noting that the condemnation of abuse is a universal stance, not a targeted attack. The broader issue of online toxicity in motorsport has become a recurring theme this season. Fans, teams, and drivers alike are calling for stronger moderation tools and clearer penalties for those who cross the line.
The sport’s governing bodies have indicated that they are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to work with platforms to curb abusive behaviour. Meanwhile, the Formula 1 calendar is moving forward. The Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for the first time since 2017, marking a return to a venue that many drivers regard as challenging but rewarding. The race is set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW for viewers who prefer an online subscription.
As the season progresses, Norris and Colapinto will both be looking to put the Baku incident behind them. Norris, already a multiple‑time world champion, will aim to continue his title defence, while the young Argentine hopes to learn from his mistake and avoid further penalties.
Both drivers have indicated that they remain on good terms and are focused on the upcoming races, hoping that the controversy will fade and the sport can return to its primary focus: the competition on the track.