Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- Lando Norris had a frightening moment during the São Paulo Grand Prix podium celebrations after his champagne bottle shattered.
- The McLaren driver then walked into nearby fireworks after champagne got into his eyes.
- Norris later confirmed that his ear was fine and that he had not suffered an injury.
- Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has urged Norris to stop his bottle-smashing celebration.
- Coulthard also believes the FIA should review podium arrangements to prevent similar incidents.
The Lando Norris podium incident has raised fresh questions about safety during Formula 1 celebrations after the McLaren driver narrowly avoided injury at the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix.
Norris had just delivered an impressive performance at Interlagos, securing his third Grand Prix victory of the season. However, what should have been a memorable celebration quickly turned into a frightening moment.
His champagne bottle shattered when he struck it against the podium floor. Moments later, champagne entered his eyes, making it difficult for him to see. He then accidentally walked into the nearby fireworks, with sparks reaching the side of his face and ear.
Although Norris later reassured fans that he was fine, former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard believes the incident should not be ignored.
Coulthard has called on Norris to change his champagne celebration routine and suggested that the FIA review the safety arrangements around podium ceremonies.
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What Happened to Lando Norris on the São Paulo Grand Prix Podium?
Norris enjoyed a strong race at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Brazil, converting pole position into victory after 71 challenging laps.
He finished ahead of Max Verstappen, who recovered from 21st on the starting grid to claim second place. Isack Hadjar completed the podium in third.
The victory was Norris’s third Grand Prix win of the 2026 season.
However, the celebration took an unexpected turn when Norris attempted his familiar champagne-bottle trick.
The McLaren driver struck the bottom of the bottle against the podium floor to release the champagne. Instead of opening as expected, the glass shattered, leaving him holding the broken bottle.
The situation became more concerning when he moved towards the podium fireworks.
With champagne sprayed into his eyes, Norris struggled to see clearly. He accidentally moved into the path of the pyrotechnics, and sparks reached the side of his face and ear.
The incident briefly interrupted the celebrations and attracted attention from fans watching around the world.
Fortunately, Norris escaped without a reported injury.
David Coulthard Warns Norris to Stop Smashing Champagne Bottles
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has criticised Norris’s repeated habit of striking champagne bottles against hard surfaces during celebrations.
Speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, Coulthard praised Norris’s performance in Brazil but said the driver needed to reconsider his celebration routine.
He said:
“I was really impressed across the board, with some standout performances. The obvious one is Lando, absolutely brilliant. Although we have to address right at the top that he’s got to stop doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome.”
Coulthard then explained why hitting a glass bottle against the floor was dangerous.
He compared the behaviour to something parents teach young children to avoid, warning that breaking glass could cause serious injuries.
He added:
“Banging the bottle, like right here, kids, banging glass on anything is not a good idea. You teach your smallest of children not to do that, and yet he continues to do it. He’s very lucky.”
His concern is understandable because a shattered champagne bottle can leave sharp pieces of glass around the podium and potentially cause cuts to a driver’s hands or face.
Norris Has Experienced a Similar Bottle Incident Before
The São Paulo incident was not the first time Norris had broken a champagne bottle during a Formula 1 celebration.
At the 2020 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, he broke a bottle while celebrating with former McLaren team-mate Carlos Sainz.
That incident left Norris with cuts to his hand, showing that the risks are not simply theoretical.
Coulthard believes the driver should learn from those experiences rather than continue repeating the same action.
Coulthard Calls on the FIA to Review Podium Safety Rules
Beyond Norris’s own celebration habits, Coulthard believes Formula 1’s governing body should examine the safety of podium ceremonies.
He pointed out that the FIA should review the placement of fireworks and other potential hazards around drivers.
Coulthard said:
“In all seriousness, he hasn’t, like, gashed his hand. The FIA obviously needs to have a little look at the podium and do a little sense check on anything that could sparkle its way into the eye of a driver. So there’s the first thing that needs a rework.”
His comments raise an important question: should podium celebrations be reviewed to make sure drivers can enjoy their victories without being exposed to avoidable risks?
Podium ceremonies are designed to celebrate achievement and entertain fans. However, they also involve glass bottles, champagne sprays, pyrotechnics, trophies and several people sharing a relatively small space.
A safety review could consider:
- Firework positioning: Ensure pyrotechnics are positioned away from the drivers’ immediate celebration area.
- Timing of effects: Coordinate fireworks with the movement of drivers on the podium.
- Glass bottle safety: Consider safer ways for drivers to open champagne bottles.
- Clear movement areas: Keep walkways free from broken glass and other hazards.
- Emergency procedures: Make sure medical assistance is available if someone is injured.
These are possible safety measures raised by the incident, not confirmed changes announced by the FIA.
As of the reporting available, Coulthard has made a recommendation for a review. There has been no confirmed announcement that the FIA has changed its podium rules in response.
Lando Norris Explains Why He Walked Into the Fireworks
Following the incident, Norris addressed questions about his condition during a livestream.
Some viewers wanted to know why he had moved towards the fireworks despite their proximity.
Norris explained that champagne had sprayed into his eyes after the bottle broke, temporarily affecting his vision.
He said:
“How’s my ear? My ear is fine, thanks for asking. The problem is, everyone’s like, ‘Why did you walk into it?’ It’s because I got sprayed with champagne in my eyes, then I couldn’t see anything. I couldn’t see where I was going.”
The driver explained that the champagne caused a strong stinging sensation, making it difficult to understand where he was moving.
He also described feeling sudden warmth around his ear when he came into contact with the fireworks.
According to Norris, the experience was more surprising than painful.
He said he initially thought the sensation was caused by a fly before realising what had happened.
Norris also joked about the broken bottle, saying he briefly feared that his hand had been seriously injured.
He ended his explanation by reassuring fans that he was fine.
Was Lando Norris Injured?
No injury was reported following the podium incident.
Norris directly told viewers that his ear was fine. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella also indicated after the race that he understood the driver was all right.
However, the incident still highlights the importance of keeping pyrotechnics and broken glass away from people during public celebrations.
Norris’s Performance in Brazil Was Still a Major Achievement
Despite the unusual podium drama, Norris’s performance on the track was one of the biggest stories of the São Paulo Grand Prix.
The race featured changing weather conditions, forcing drivers and teams to make important tyre decisions.
Norris started from pole position but faced pressure during the opening stages. As the track dried, teams switched from intermediate tyres to slicks.
Later, rain returned, creating another challenge for drivers who needed to manage grip and maintain control.
Norris handled the changing conditions well and kept his mistakes to a minimum.
He eventually finished 14.602 seconds ahead of Verstappen, with Hadjar taking third.
The result gave McLaren another important victory, while Mercedes secured the 2026 Constructors’ Championship.
Coulthard was particularly impressed with Norris’s ability to manage the race.
Although he criticised the podium celebration, his comments made it clear that he recognised the quality of the driver’s performance.
Why the FIA May Need to Take Podium Safety More Seriously
The incident has started a wider conversation about how Formula 1 manages celebrations after races.
Drivers face significant risks during a Grand Prix. They compete at high speeds, manage extreme conditions and make decisions that require concentration and precision.
Once the race ends, however, they should be able to celebrate without unnecessary danger.
The São Paulo incident involved two separate hazards:
- The broken champagne bottle: Glass shattered when Norris struck it against the podium floor.
- The fireworks: Sparks reached his face and ear after he moved into their path while struggling to see.
Both situations could have ended more seriously.
A broken bottle can cause cuts, while close contact with pyrotechnics can result in burns or eye injuries.
The FIA already publishes sporting regulations that include procedures for podium ceremonies. Those procedures provide a framework for how the ceremony is organised.
Coulthard’s comments suggest that the practical safety arrangements may also deserve closer attention, especially when fireworks are used near drivers.
A sensible review would aim to protect drivers without removing the excitement that makes podium celebrations special.
What Could Change About Future Formula 1 Podium Celebrations?
Although no new FIA rule has been confirmed in response to Coulthard’s comments, the incident offers an opportunity to consider improvements.
Possible changes could include:
- Safer champagne celebrations: Drivers could be encouraged to avoid striking glass bottles against hard surfaces.
- Greater distance from fireworks: Pyrotechnics could be positioned further away from drivers.
- Better coordination: Organisers could ensure that fireworks are not activated when drivers are moving close to them.
- Improved podium design: Clearer walkways and designated celebration areas could reduce the risk of accidents.
- Safety briefings: Drivers and event staff could receive clear instructions about the placement and timing of pyrotechnics.
The aim should not be to make Formula 1 celebrations less exciting. It should be to ensure that drivers, officials and everyone involved can enjoy them safely.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lando Norris Podium Incident
1. What happened to Lando Norris at the São Paulo Grand Prix?
Lando Norris broke his champagne bottle while celebrating his victory at Interlagos. Champagne entered his eyes, affecting his vision, and he accidentally walked into nearby fireworks that reached his face and ear.
2. Was Lando Norris injured by the fireworks?
Norris said his ear was fine and reassured fans that he had not been injured. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella also indicated that he understood the driver was all right.
3. Why did David Coulthard criticise Lando Norris?
Coulthard criticised Norris for repeatedly striking champagne bottles against the podium floor. He warned that the glass could break and cause serious cuts or other injuries.
4. Why did David Coulthard call on the FIA to review podium rules?
Coulthard believes the FIA should examine podium safety, particularly the positioning of fireworks and other hazards that could reach a driver’s face or eyes.
5. Has the FIA changed its podium rules after the Norris incident?
There has been no confirmed announcement of new FIA podium rules in response to the incident. Coulthard has called for a review, but that recommendation should not be confused with an official rule change.
