The FIA has been urged to review its podium safety procedures after a “very lucky” incident involving Lando Norris at the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix.
In changeable conditions in Sao Paulo, former World Champion Norris claimed his third victory of the season. Despite a clinical performance on track, it was his celebrations that caught the attention of many. Seemingly a podium tradition, Norris did his signature champagne spray. However, it marked the first wrong move of the day for the Briton.
By hitting his champagne bottle on the floor, Norris shattered the glass bottle. After escaping cuts on his hand, the McLaren driver was faced with another issue: pyrotechnic sparks. Attempting to avoid his rival’s spray, Norris accidentally hit the sparks. Whilst the 14-time Grand Prix winner walked away from both incidents intact, his podium incidents raise concerns about podium safety for drivers.
Following the race, David Coulthard explained that whilst Norris’ performance was amazing, he needs to reconsider his podium celebrations.
“I was really impressed across the board, with some standout performances,” Coulthard said on the Up to Speed podcast.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Brazilian GP brilliance for Lando Norris
Despite being nearly taken out by pyrotechnics and a champagne bottle, Norris’ Brazil performance was brilliant to watch. After securing pole position for the third consecutive season in Interlagos, the McLaren driver sailed to victory, mastering the treacherous weather conditions to secure victory almost 15 seconds clear of his closest rival.
Coulthard explained that Norris’ racecraft and talent throughout the race were one of his ‘best,’ despite the difficult conditions.
“It was world-class,” Coulthard said. “It was one of his best drives ever, It was awesome because of the nature of that track. And the changing conditions, just absolutely phenomenal.
However, the former F1 driver highlighted the sheer talent across the grid at the moment. Despite a clinical victory from the McLaren driver, Coulthard explained that talent across the grid is keeping all their rivals on their toes.
“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.”
“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.”
Norris currently sits sixth in the Drivers’ standings, challenging Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with just three points between the pair heading into the final triple header.
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