F1 champion Norris says Colapinto should get race ban after Baku crash

McLaren’s world champion Lando Norris has called for Alpine driver Franco Colapinto to receive a one-race ban following a collision at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The accident occurred during a restart, with Colapinto locking up under braking, spinning out of control and colliding with teammate Pierre Gasly, who in turn struck Norris' car.

Both Gasly and Norris were immediately sidelined. "If you cause a crash on a restart like this, you should have at least a one-race ban," Norris stated, lamenting the damage to his car and the financial impact. Colapinto initially retired but later received a 10-second penalty, which was converted into a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix.

The incident cost Alpine vital points, as both Gasly and Colapinto were in the top 10 at the time of the crash. Gasly expressed his disappointment, stating he had no words for the situation. Mercedes driver George Russell had some sympathy for the 23-year-old, arguing that a ban would be too harsh. Verstappen agreed that the penalty was excessive, acknowledging the unfortunate nature of the incident for all involved.