Lando Norris rues online abuse, explains Franco Colapinto apology

Reigning Formula 1 champion Lando Norris has expressed regret over his online abuse following his public apology to Franco Colapinto. Norris criticized Colapinto for causing a pile-up at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and demanded a race ban for the Argentinian driver. The McLaren driver quickly apologized to Colapinto for going too far, but not before his outburst triggered a wave of abuse against him on social media from some corners of Colapinto's fanbase.

To calm the waters, Norris issued a public statement explaining his side of the story, emphasizing that Colapinto was the only person he needed to apologize to. Norris stressed that his comments were made to Franco, and he did not need to announce the apology on social media, although he felt it was sensible to do so given the negative reaction.

He accepted his wrongdoing and expressed hope that social platforms could do more to curb toxic behavior online. Norris, who has reduced his social media usage, said the episode would not deter him from speaking his mind in the future, but acknowledged that not everyone would agree with his views.