Franco Colapinto has shown utmost contrition to teammate Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris after taking both men out of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Both Alpines were running in the top 10 at the Baku City Circuit upon a Safety Car restart, which was triggered by Alex Albon’s crashed Williams.
As cars jostled for position going into Turn 1, Colapinto made an overzealous attempt to gain track position, and on cold tyres, locked up and speared into Gasly, which took out Norris in a domino effect.
The incident triggered another immediate Safety Car, with the McLaren and Gasly out on the spot. Colapinto limped back to the pits and into retirement, too.
After the race, Colapinto took full responsibility for the clash, which cost the Enstone-based squad vital points in the midfield in the Constructors’ Championship.
“Yeah, it was just a big mistake, I locked up completely with no tyres and no brakes,” he said. “It was out of control completely, so not a lot to say more than sorry to the team, to Pierre of course, to everyone in the factory.
“I think working really hard to score points and threw it away with that big mistake. Very sad for the team, first big disappointment, not much more.”
Managing Director Steve Nielsen was seen exiting the pit wall upon Colapinto’s return to the garage, sparking intrigue that the Argentinian was set for an immediate dressing down.
Asked about the team’s response to the incident, Colapinto said: “I think they are all very supportive, of course.
“Again, as I say, it’s a big mistake and I take full responsibility of it. It’s something to learn about and take on the chin and hopefully we keep working for the next one.”
Colapinto indicated that there was an attempt to speak to Gasly, with little success.
“He [Gasly] came back and of course he’s very upset, but yeah, I’ll try to talk to him.”
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