Lando Norris has become known for a unique way of celebrating with champagne on the Formula 1 podium. Instead of the usual method of shaking and spraying the Moët & Chandon bottle, the McLaren driver uses a special technique that causes the champagne to bubble up and erupt spectacularly without traditional shaking. This distinctive approach has turned into a fan favorite at race weekends.
Speaking on the F1 Explains podcast, Norris described the method:
“Instead of shaking the bottle and then spraying it, you smash it against the ground,”
he said. However, he emphasizes that the key is not actually breaking the bottle but rather using the base to trigger the spray effect.
The Importance of Using a Thick, Durable Bottle
Norris explained that the secret lies in selecting a very strong, thick bottle, rather than a lightweight prosecco bottle which is prone to shattering and causing injury.
“The trick here is to not smash it. And the trick to that is by having a very, very thick, strong bottle. 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,”
he cautioned.
He admitted the risk involved with a smile:
“So, this is dangerous, this is dangerous, dangerous stuff.”
Norris added that even with experience, the technique requires careful handling, saying,
“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.”
Lando Norris’ Current Racing Performance and Standing
As of 2025, Norris has stood on the Formula 1 podium 34 times with six victories. He is currently second in the drivers‘ championship standings, holding 176 points, trailing 10 points behind his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who leads with 186 points. McLaren as a team dominates the constructors‘ championship, extending a 197-point lead over Ferrari.
With the Canadian Grand Prix approaching at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Norris remains a key contender in the championship battle.
On Track Rivalry: Norris and Piastri’s Competitive Dynamic
Before the Canadian Grand Prix, Norris spoke candidly about the inevitable competitive friction between himself and Piastri on track. He acknowledged that clashes between them are a matter of “when” rather than “if.”
“We never said we’re going to avoid everything,”
Norris said.
“I think we’ve actually been quite open in saying at some point, something is probably going to happen.”
He stressed the importance of being prepared for these moments, stating that both he and Piastri are highly driven to outperform each other but remain united as a team.
“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.”
“I think Andrea [Stella, McLaren Team Principal] 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.”
Implications for the Championship and Future Races
The ongoing rivalry between Norris and Piastri heightens the tension within McLaren as they pursue championship success. The drivers’ battles, combined with Norris’ distinctive podium celebrations, highlight his growing presence in Formula 1. With challenging races ahead, especially at venues like Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these dynamics influence the championship fight and team strategies moving forward.
