Norris podium near-miss puts safety setup under scrutiny

Lando Norris escaped injury during the São Paulo Grand Prix podium celebrations after a champagne bottle shattered in his hand and he walked into an active cold-spark machine. The incident has prompted questions about podium safety, with former driver David Coulthard calling for the FIA to review the setup.

Norris had just won at Interlagos when he struck the bottle against the podium in his customary celebration. It broke, leaving him holding the neck. Champagne then sprayed into his eyes, temporarily affecting his vision, before he stepped into the path of a spark machine. Sparks caught his face and ear, but he was not hurt.

The race weekend also featured other storylines, including Camara’s anticipated Haas debut at his home São Paulo Grand Prix. Our São Paulo Grand Prix guide covers the event more broadly.

Coulthard says both the bottle and the podium deserve attention

Speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, Coulthard criticised Norris’s repeated practice of striking bottles during celebrations. He warned that breaking glass this way is dangerous and said Norris was fortunate not to cut his hand.

Coulthard’s concern extended beyond the bottle. He argued that the FIA should inspect the podium arrangement, specifically the risk of sparks reaching a driver’s eyes. The sequence at Interlagos brought together two hazards: shattered glass and a driver temporarily blinded by champagne approaching a live effects machine.

No injury, but questions remain over safeguards

Norris’s escape without injury does not resolve the safety concern raised by the incident. Coulthard’s comments point to a need to assess whether podium equipment and celebratory routines leave drivers exposed to avoidable risks. The source report did not detail any FIA decision or announced change following the near-miss.

The incident also underlines how quickly a routine victory celebration can become hazardous. Norris broke the bottle, lost clear vision briefly and moved into the path of the pyrotechnics, all within moments. Whether the FIA will review the podium setup remains unresolved; Coulthard has made clear that he believes it should take a closer look.