Franco Colapinto prepares for Sepang after Baku collision fallout

Following a collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that resulted in the retirement of several drivers, Lando Norris has issued a public apology to Franco Colapinto. After the incident, Norris had criticized the Alpine driver, suggesting he should not be in Formula 1 and calling for a race suspension. Norris later retracted these comments, stating that his reaction was driven by high emotions and that he has since reached an understanding with Colapinto.

The collision, which involved Colapinto, Pierre Gasly, and Norris, led to a debate regarding FIA penalty systems. While Colapinto received a ten-second penalty, his retirement meant the sanction was converted into a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming race in Malaysia.

Colapinto is now preparing for his first experience at the Sepang circuit, which will host the Bahrain Grand Prix due to regional tensions. The driver is currently working with Alpine engineers in Enstone to manage the seven-hour time difference and prepare for the high heat and humidity expected in Malaysia.