Lando Norris's trademark champagne-opening celebration went wrong on the Sao Paulo Grand Prix podium when his bottle shattered on impact with the ground, leaving the McLaren driver momentarily stunned and prompting Max Verstappen to check on him.
Norris secured his first victory since the Dutch Grand Prix in August by capitalising on a Kimi Antonelli spin to win in Brazil. The win marked his return to the top step of the podium just seven days after it was confirmed he had lost his Formula One world champion status to Antonelli.
Celebration Takes an Unexpected Turn
The British national anthem was played out for Sao Paulo to hear as Norris and McLaren marked their return to winning ways. However, the rest of the podium ceremony did not go to plan.
The drivers picked up their champagne bottles ready to spray them, as is motorsport tradition. Norris has a unique way of opening his bottles, having developed a habit of hitting it against the ground to get the cork out.
Verstappen Rushes to Help
Up to Sunday it had never presented a problem, but this was the exception as the bottle shattered on impact with the ground. Norris was left motionless, clearly stunned by what had happened.
For a few seconds he did not move and had his hand up to his face. Once second-placed Max Verstappen had noticed what had happened, he stopped spraying his champagne and came forward to check on his rival.
