What did Lando Norris say regarding Franco? Complete feud detailed as former posts public apology

On September 28, 2026, Lando Norris used an Instagram story to follow up on what he told reporters two days earlier about Franco Colapinto. As reported by @formularacers_, the McLaren driver said he had already written to Colapinto after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to take back language he now called unacceptable. The race took place on Saturday, September 26, in Baku.

A safety car period ended with the pack arriving at the first corner on cold tires. Colapinto braked too late, struck Pierre Gasly, and Gasly's Alpine then collected Norris. All three cars were out on the spot. Lando Norris published the story on Monday morning.

As reported by The Race, the text Lando Norris posted read:

"Tough weekend overall in Baku and of course a disappointing and early end to the race. After the race, I sent Franco a message apologising for the comments I made that I simply should not have said. I know better and emotions were running high but that is not an excuse, it was wrong of me. I’ve made mistakes of my own over the years and I know this is very much part of racing and fighting on the limit."

He continued:

"Me and Franco came to a good understanding, and are still good friends and are both excited to get back racing this weekend."

Lando Norris media comments from Saturday in Baku

As reported by BBC Sport, Lando Norris left the circuit angry and spoke before he had reviewed the replay. He said some drivers "shouldn't be in Formula 1." He argued the FIA needed to issue race bans for restart crashes like that, calling the driving "careless." He also pointed to the ruined bodywork on his McLaren.

To BBC Radio 5 Live, he added:

"Give him a ban. It's quite simple."

He also said a one-race suspension was the minimum he expected.

As reported by Sky Sports, Colapinto answered questions the same afternoon and did not dispute fault. He said:

"Yeah of course. I think just to all the team, not only to Pierre, it’s a big mistake. Big, big sorry to Pierre and to everyone at the factory who has been working really hard. Cold brakes, cold tyres, I locked up and was completely out of control. Unfortunately I also took Pierre out and Lando of course. Big sorry to both of them."

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Officials handed Colapinto a 10-second penalty. Because he never finished the race, that penalty became a five-place grid drop for the next event. As reported by The Guardian, Alpine put out a team note on Sunday about abusive messages aimed at drivers and others after Baku. Flavio Briatore also posted a separate apology to Norris and McLaren and labeled Colapinto's judgment "very poor."

Both men are entered for this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix. Norris said they had settled the matter between themselves and still consider each other friends.

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