Franco Colapinto has issued an apology to Alpine F1 team-mate Pierre Gasly and McLaren's Lando Norris for eliminating them from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
On a safety car restart following Alex Albon's crash, with both Alpines in the points, Colapinto was on the inside of Turn 1, but locked up heavily and was "out of control" as the field headed to the pinch-point of the apex.
As the drivers ahead turned in, Colapinto's team-mate Gasly and the reigning champion Norris were both collected by the Argentine, who crawled back to the pits to retire.
Post-race, Norris called for a one-race ban for drivers who commit such actions, with Colapinto being handed a 10s penalty by the stewards, which is likely to be converted to a grid penalty for Bahrain as he could not serve it.
Reflecting, Colapinto described the events which had taken place - and how he ended "out of control."
"It is a big mistake. I locked up completely the tyres and the brakes and was out of control completely," Colapinto told media, including RacingNews365.
"There is not a lot more to say than to say sorry to the team and to Pierre, of course. The team has been working really hard to score points, and I threw it away with a big mistake, so I am sad for the team.
"Of course it is more disappointing to take out your team-mate; that is the biggest part of it. If I make a mistake and it only affects me, it is okay to learn, but when it affects the other car as well, it is important.
"It is a big mistake, and I take full responsibility for it, and it is something to learn and take on the chin, and hopefully we'll keep working.
"I spoke with Pierre; he came back, and of course, he is very upset."
Turning to Norris's demand for a race ban for the Alpine driver, Colapinto again apologised.
"I am sorry to Lando for doing that, as I also took him out, not just Pierre," he said.
"It was just a mistake, and I was out of control; I couldn't do a lot. I locked up as soon as I touched the brakes."
Originally published by RacingNews365 —
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