Norris apologises for 'stupid and careless' comments

©McLaren

Lando Norris issued an apology on social media for comments expressed in interviews after last weekend's Portuguese GP.

Norris took to Twitter on Tuesday to make amends for his behavior although the McLaren driver did not specify the exact comments to which the apology related.

"I owe an apology," he wrote. "I’ve been stupid and careless with some things I’ve said lately in media and interviews and haven’t shown the respect I should have to certain people.

"I’m not that kind of person, so know I should apologise to them but also everyone reading/listening. Sorry."

Read also - Norris fumes over Stroll: "He doesn’t learn!"

It's likely that Norris' admission is linked to comments leveled at Lance Stroll following the pair's run-in in Sunday's race, and his characterization of Lewis Hamilton's landmark 92-win record achieved at Portimão.

Regarding Stroll, Norris offered a few colorful words to the Canadian on the radio in the aftermath of a collision that ruined the McLaren driver's promising race. However, Norris did apologize immediately after the race for his expletive-laden rant.

Later, asked to offer his views on Hamilton's record 92nd win, dismissive Norris - likely still reeling from his disappointing afternoon - appeared to downplay the Briton's merits.

"It doesn’t mean anything to me, really," said Norris. "He’s in a car which should win every race, basically.

"He has to beat one or two other drivers, that’s it. Fair play to him, he’s still doing the job he has to do."

A driver stepping out of line in the heat of the moment is not a rare occurrence. But owning up and taking responsibility for one's words is a proper display of maturity and intelligence.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.