Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has issued a stern warning to Lando Norris, urging him to reconsider his trademark podium celebration following a harrowing incident at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The McLaren driver’s post-race festivities at the Interlagos circuit were marred by a chaotic sequence where he was struck in the face by pyrotechnics and suffered a shattered champagne bottle during the ceremony.
While acknowledging the Briton’s impressive performance on track, Coulthard raised serious concerns regarding the potential for physical injury caused by the repetitive act of smashing glass champagne bottles against the podium floor. Norris later explained that champagne spraying into his eyes had obscured his vision, preventing him from noticing the pyrotechnic display while walking across the stage, which resulted in sparks hitting his face and ear.
Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard emphasized that Norris must adapt his behavior to avoid future accidents. "The obvious one is Lando, absolutely brilliant. Although we have to address right at the top, he's got to stop doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome," Coulthard stated. He further noted that teaching children not to strike glass against hard surfaces is common sense, yet Norris continues to risk his safety in this manner.
Coulthard also called upon the FIA to conduct safety checks on podium layouts to prevent any debris or sparks from endangering drivers during celebrations. He noted that Norris has been fortunate thus far to avoid deep lacerations to his hands from the broken glass that has characterized his podium finishes over the years.
Meanwhile, F1 analyst Will Buxton echoed praise for Norris’ tactical driving and the team's strategic calls during the challenging race conditions. While Buxton acknowledged that the champagne-smashing ritual has been a long-standing feature of the McLaren driver's celebrations, the proximity to a serious accident at Interlagos underscores the urgent need for a shift in how podium ceremonies are managed for driver safety.
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