Lando Norris has launched a scathing criticism of Franco Colapinto following a restart incident at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that eliminated both himself and Pierre Gasly. The McLaren driver believes the FIA must take tougher action by handing a minimum one-race ban to the Alpine driver.
The incident occurred on lap 36 during a restart. Colapinto, driving for Alpine, locked up his front tyres due to cold brakes and tyres, then speared into his teammate Gasly at Turn 1. Norris, who was behind, was also collected and had to end his race early. The race was eventually won by George Russell after holding off Max Verstappen.
Norris, who had earlier made his own mistake at Turn 1 that dropped him into the pack, expressed his anger. "I've not seen it. I just got taken out. I think the FIA should be stricter and start handing out bans for this kind of stuff," he said. "It's careless from people. It costs a lot of money; all my parts are in the bin now. People should just get banned, because that's not driving that deserves to be in Formula 1."
When asked if there were mitigating circumstances given the slippery Baku circuit, Norris stressed that F1 drivers should be able to anticipate such conditions. "In Formula 1, I think you expect drivers to anticipate things. Grip is going to be low; tyre temps are low; they weren't even that low. In Formula 1, we want to be against the best drivers in the world, and when stuff like this happens, it's because [they] shouldn't be there," he added. "I've not seen it, but if you cause a crash in a restart like this, you should have at least a one-race ban."
Colapinto, who also drew the ire of teammate Gasly as the pair was on for points, was apologetic. "A big mistake," he acknowledged. "I locked up completely with cold tyres and cold brakes and was out of control completely. Not a lot to say more than sorry to the team, to Pierre of course, to all the factory. We've been working really hard to score points and I threw it away with that big mistake. So, I'm very sad for the team. Of course it's a big disappointment. I'm sorry to Lando as well."
The incident is a major blow for McLaren, who lost valuable points in the constructors' championship battle. For Alpine, the result extends their points drought in an already difficult season. The FIA has yet to issue an official statement regarding Norris's request, but the incident has sparked a wider debate about penalty standards for restart errors.
With the next race approaching, pressure is mounting on the stewards to set a clear precedent. Norris's plea may echo in the paddock, but the final decision rests with the FIA.
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