Flavio Briatore has issued a public apology to Lando Norris and McLaren following a three-car collision at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix involving Alpine's Franco Colapinto. The incident prematurely ended Norris's race while he was in a competitive position.
The crash occurred during a safety car restart at the Baku City Circuit. Colapinto, on cold tyres, locked up into Turn 1 and collided with his Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly. The impact pushed Gasly into Norris, eliminating all three cars from the race. Briatore, Alpine's Executive Advisor, described the move as "very poor" and expressed disappointment over lost points.
In a post on his Instagram account, Briatore wrote, "I’m disappointed with the outcome of the Azerbaijan GP, knowing we lost valuable points. I feel very sorry for the team and for Pierreg My apologies also go to Lando and McLaren for ruining their race. I know that Franco has taken full responsibility for it, as he should. We now have to look ahead and make sure these things do not happen in the future."
Colapinto took full responsibility for the crash after the race. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, the 23-year-old driver said, "Yeah, of course. I think just to all the team, not only to Pierre, it was a big mistake. So, a big, big sorry to Pierre, to everyone in the factory that has been working really hard. We lost a lot of, well, a position that we were with both cars in the points. So, very sad and disappointed. So, yeah, a big, big sorry. It's a big mistake. So, just, yeah, cold brakes, cold tyres. Locked up and completely out of control. So, unfortunately, I also took Pierre out and Lando. But, big sorry to both."
The incident is a setback for Alpine, who are fighting for points in the constructors' championship. Losing both Gasly and Colapinto in Baku adds pressure on the team to recover quickly. For McLaren, Norris's retirement reduces their chances of maximizing results, though their position in the standings remains relatively secure.
Focus now shifts to the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia from 2-4 October. This race provides an opportunity for all teams to move past the Baku incident and compete for crucial points. Alpine hopes to use the momentum to improve performance, while McLaren will aim to maximize the potential of Norris and his teammate.
This incident has reignited discussions about safety and risk-taking during safety car restarts. Drivers and teams are reminded of the importance of extra caution in cold tyre conditions, especially on street circuits like Baku. Quick and accurate decisions are crucial to the final outcome of the race.
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