Topics: Formula 1, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, McLaren, Oscar Piastri
Lando Norris almost repeated his podium disaster from last year during the Hungarian Grand Prix celebrations.
On Sunday afternoon, the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring was filled with drama and controversy.
Towards the end of the race, reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen collided with Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton, resulting in the Dutchman finishing in fifth place.
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Further up the track, there were controversial team orders as Norris, who was leading the race at the time, was told to let teammate Oscar Piastri through.
In the end, Australian Piastri secured his maiden F1 victory in Budapest.
During the podium celebrations, Norris brought out his trademark move as he slammed the bottle of champagne onto the ground to pop the cork.
Last season, the McLaren superstar did the exact same celebration but managed to smash Verstappen’s trophy into pieces after knocking it over.
This time around, Piastri moved it in time and Norris chose to pop the bottle on the floor rather than the podium, therefore, no damage was done.
Although he did obey team orders, Norris revealed he was tempted to do the opposite.
Speaking after the race, the 24-year-old said: “Things are always going to go through your mind because, you know, you’ve got to be selfish in this sport at times.
“You’ve got to think of yourself. That’s priority No 1, think of yourself. I’m also a team player, so my mind was going pretty crazy at the time.”
Norris added: “When you’re thinking of the seven or six points that I give away, then … it crosses your mind. So it was not easy.
“It’s hard when you’re in that position to give it back because you’re there and of course that went through my mind.”
F1 will return this weekend with the Belgian Grand Prix, which will take place at Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday.
