Lando Norris’ signature podium champagne bottle smash trick has become a standout moment during Formula 1 race weekends. Unlike the usual practice of shaking a champagne bottle and spraying it around, the McLaren driver adds a daring twist by striking the base of the bottle against the podium, causing the champagne to surge up and spray dramatically.
This distinctive celebration has captured fans’ attention, showcasing not only Norris’ enthusiastic spirit but also a carefully executed technique involving a thick, durable bottle designed to withstand the force of the impact without shattering.
How the Trick Works and Its Risks
Speaking on the F1 Explains podcast with Christian Hewgill, Norris shared insights into the method behind his celebration. He explained that the key is to hit the bottle against a hard surface without fully breaking it, relying on a very strong and thick champagne bottle, unlike the lighter prosecco bottles that could easily shatter and cause injury.
“Instead of shaking the bottle and then spraying it, you smash it against the ground,”
he said.
He warned about the dangers involved:
“So, prosecco bottles, don’t do it. They’re not worth it. Prosecco is normally a very light, thin bottle, so you’ll just smash it and cut your hand open.”
With a hint of nervous humor, Norris added,
“So, this is dangerous. This is dangerous, dangerous stuff.”
The driver continued by reflecting on his efforts to perfect the move while managing the risk:
“Yeah, a thick bottle. I’ve been giving it some recently with the smash. I struggled to hit it much harder than I do. I’m waiting for the day it goes horribly wrong, but touch wood, not happened just yet.”
Norris’ Current Standing and Team Dynamics
With 34 podium appearances and six wins in his Formula 1 career, Lando Norris remains a leading competitor in the 2025 season. Holding second place in the drivers’ championship with 176 points, he trails his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by 10 points. Piastri currently leads with 186 points, making the intra-team rivalry a central narrative for McLaren’s campaign.
McLaren is enjoying a strong position in the constructors‘ standings, holding a 197-point advantage over second-placed Ferrari. The team‘s momentum as they approach the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is significant, intensifying both competition and anticipation within the paddock.
Anticipating Intense Rivalry Ahead
Addressing the media before the Canadian Grand Prix, Norris openly acknowledged that clashes between him and Piastri on the track are inevitable, emphasizing the reality of competitive pressures within the team.
“We never said we’re going to avoid everything,”
Norris stated.
“I think we’ve actually been quite open in saying at some point, something is probably going to happen. We just have to be ready for that. I think both Oscar and myself know that, we’re competitive, we want to beat each other but the main thing is we stay strong together as a team. But everything is in the open, everything is obvious, everything is known between us.”
He elaborated on the competitive dynamics:
“We both want to win, we both want to beat each other, but at the end of the day there can only be one person and that will be whoever performs the best over the course of the year.”
Norris referenced comments by McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella, adding,
“I think Andrea said it, it’s not an ‘if’, it’s a ‘when’ and we’ll see when that time comes. But of course we’ll try and avoid everything as much as possible but it’s inevitable that it happens in racing.”
The Broader Significance of Norris’ Approach
Lando Norris’ podium champagne bottle smash trick is more than just a celebration; it exemplifies his unique personality and willingness to embrace risk for a memorable moment. The technique’s danger reflects his competitive edge, and his awareness of that risk underscores a balance between flair and caution.
As the 2025 season progresses with McLaren vying for championship honors, Norris’ candidness about potential team conflicts and his positioning behind Piastri highlight the tension and urgency within the team. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this rivalry develops on track and whether Norris’ flair extends beyond celebrations into his racing performance.