Lando Norris handed 'too harsh' judgment over Franco Colapinto ban remark

George Russell has pushed back on Lando Norris' call for Franco Colapinto to be handed a one-race ban after the Argentine wiped out Alpine team-mate Pierre Gasly and the McLaren driver at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Colapinto lost control of his car into Turn 1 during the lap 36 safety car restart at the Baku City Circuit, spearing into Gasly, who was then pushed into Norris on the outside line. All three drivers retired on the spot.

The stewards handed Colapinto a 10-second time penalty for causing the collision. Because he retired before the sanction could be served, it is set to be converted into a grid penalty for next weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, though the exact number of places has not yet been confirmed.

Norris declared publicly that the incident deserved a race ban. Race-winner Russell and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who finished second, disagreed.

"I think that's too harsh," said Russell, speaking to the media, including RacingNews365. "Personally, [with] safety car restarts, cold tyres, a very small mistake can have big consequences, and from what I saw, that's what it looked like. It was a small error that had a big consequence."

"Race bans should come from drivers intentionally doing something very dangerous and very reckless. I think it was unfortunate."

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Verstappen - As long as he's aware

Verstappen, who finished just 0.196s behind Russell, also weighed in, saying accountability from the driver at fault mattered more than a suspension.

"As long as the driver who caused it is aware of what he did and apologises," said Verstappen. Colapinto did apologise.

"I mean, that happens, like a small mistake or a misjudgment. You lock up. It's on the inside, low grip.

"It's unfortunate that it involves so many cars, but unfortunately it happens, and it's not nice for anyone involved.

"But as George said, a race ban is probably a bit much."

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