David Coulthard admires Lando Norris’s ability to thread a Formula 1 car through treacherous conditions at Interlagos, but the Scot was left completely baffled by the McLaren driver’s post-race podium antics.
The McLaren driver produced a superb performance in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix to claim a commanding victory, negotiating a race of constantly shifting conditions and keeping his composure as rain threatened to complicate his afternoon in the closing stages.
Unfortunately, once the racing was over, Norris appeared less interested in keeping things under control. The Briton once again chose to smash his champagne bottle against the podium floor, sending shards of glass flying in a stunt that could easily have ended badly.
It was an unwelcome repeat of an incident at Monza in 2020, when a similar celebration left Norris with cuts to his hand.
This time, the McLaren driver escaped without a serious injury, although his celebrations took another awkward turn when he also managed to put his face into the path of the podium pyrotechnics.
‘Banging glass is not a good idea’
Speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, Coulthard pointed out that it might be time for motorsport's governing body to step in before a post-race celebration leads to a hospital visit.
"I was really impressed across the board, with some standout performances," said the 13-time Grand Prix winner.
"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 didn't hold back on the absurdity of watching an elite athlete risk a serious injury over sparkling wine.
"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,” he said.
Coulthard believes the FIA needs to audit the entire celebration setup to protect drivers from themselves and their surroundings.
"In all seriousness, he hasn't, like, gashed his hand,” he added. “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."
A ‘world-class’ drive beneath the drama
The podium antics aside, Coulthard had nothing but admiration for what Norris accomplished behind the wheel at Interlagos.
The race required immaculate precision as rain returned late in the grand prix, forcing drivers to dance between slick tyres and intermediates on a treacherous surface.
"It was world-class, it was one of his best drives ever," Coulthard said. "It was awesome because of the nature of that track and the changing conditions, just absolutely phenomenal."
The Scotsman noted that Norris's performance highlights the incredible depth of talent currently gracing the F1 grid, even as familiar threats loom in the rear-view mirror.
"We're in a wonderful era of Formula 1, where we've got a number of world-class drivers who, given the moment, the car and the confidence, have all got a chance of getting out there and mixing it up,” he said.
Yet, even after a flawless victory, Norris can't rest easy – and not just because of flying glass.
"Rather worryingly, I guess, for Lando and the other guys, is Max coming from the back to finish second with a car that he was far from happy with, which again is just remarkable,” Coulthard warned.
Read also: F1i Driver Ratings for the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix
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