Source: Official Team Post via X
David Coulthard Criticizes Lando Norris for Risky Champagne Celebration
David Coulthard has criticized Lando Norris for his risky champagne bottle-smashing celebration, suggesting it's a habit better left in the past. Norris narrowly avoided injury during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after taking a spark to the face from fireworks.
David Coulthard isn't holding back when it comes to Lando Norris and his champagne antics. After Norris's signature move of smashing a champagne bottle on the ground during celebrations went awry at the SĂŁo Paulo Grand Prix, Coulthard was quick to comment. The former F1 driver pointed out that such a stunt is something parents typically tell their children to avoid.
Norris had just secured a victory at Interlagos, finishing 14 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen, with Isack Hadjar completing the podium. However, the celebration took a dramatic turn when, just as Norris was about to smash his bottle of Moet & Chandon, fireworks erupted in front of the podium. A spark struck Norris in the face, leading to an unintended shower of glass and champagne as the bottle shattered.
Reflecting on the incident with Canal+, Norris expressed his relief: "Iâm okay. I was very worried. This is the first time ever that it has happened to me, a broken bottle, which is a shame, but now I know the limits of what a champagne bottle can take. I think itâs because itâs cold. On a hotter day, I think itâs okay. On a cold day like today, it was too hard. The most difficult part of today was the champagne!"
This wasnât Norrisâs first run-in with a broken bottle. During celebrations for his then-teammate Carlos Sainzâs second-place finish at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, Norris's bottle-smashing resulted in a cut hand, which he had to bandage for the following race at Mugello.
Coulthard, on his Up to Speed podcast, urged Norris to rethink his approach: "We have to address, right at the top, heâs got to stop doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome. Banging the bottle, banging glass on anything is not a good idea. You teach your smallest of children, âDonât do that.â And yet he continues to do it. Heâs very lucky, in all seriousness, that he hasnât gashed his hand."
Coulthard also suggested that the FIA might want to review the safety of podium celebrations to prevent stray fireworks from posing a risk to drivers. Clearly, there's more than just champagne corks popping in F1 these days.