Norris calls for Colapinto ban after Baku restart crash

Lando Norris has called for Franco Colapinto to be banned from competition after the Alpine driver was involved in an incident that caused a crash at a race restart during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.

Restart chaos in Baku

The incident occurred as the field bunched up following a safety car period, a moment in racing that frequently produces contact given the reduced spacing between cars. Norris, the reigning world champion, was among those affected by the resulting crash and was vocal afterward in criticizing Colapinto's driving, arguing that the Argentine driver's actions at the restart warranted a stronger sanction than any penalty issued during the race itself.

Race incidents involving restarts have long been a point of debate in Formula 1, with stewards regularly tasked with determining fault amid chaotic, fast-moving situations where multiple cars are affected simultaneously. Colapinto's driving throughout his rookie campaign has drawn scrutiny at several points this season, adding context to Norris's pointed comments after the Baku race.

Stewards' response awaited

It remained unclear following the race whether the incident would result in further sanctions beyond any penalty already applied during the event, with governing body stewards responsible for reviewing such incidents typically issuing findings in the hours or days following a race weekend. Norris's comments add public pressure on the FIA to take a firm stance, though a driving ban of the kind he suggested would represent an unusually severe sanction relative to typical penalties for race incidents.

The exchange adds another storyline to a Baku weekend already marked by a tense finish between Norris's rival George Russell and Max Verstappen at the front of the field.