Colapinto praises Verstappen’s support after Azerbaijan collision

Colapinto braked too late at the first corner of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, in a collision that put Alpine team-mate Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris out of the race. He accepted responsibility and received a five-place grid penalty for the following race. RacingNews365 reported that Norris called for Colapinto to be suspended, then apologised, while Verstappen considered a suspension too harsh.

Speaking to reporters including RacingNews365 in Malaysia, Colapinto said Verstappen had been supportive of younger drivers because he had made mistakes himself. He described the four-time world champion as someone young drivers look up to and a hero to many.

Colapinto said people at Alpine had initially been angry after the collision, but that he had spoken extensively with Gasly and that matters between them were now settled.