After the race at the Hungaroring, McLaren driver Norris gained attention when he knocked the trophy of Red Bull driver Verstappen from the podium’s top step. Verstappen had secured a dominant victory, with Norris finishing second.
Norris slammed down his own celebratory bottle of sparkling wine onto the same area to get the bubbles flowing forcefully as he has done since he was a junior racer. Verstappen’s trophy then fell to the podium’s floor and was damaged at its base and top.
The trophy was later revealed to cost $45,000 and be the result of six months of hand-crafting effort from maker Herendi Porcelanmanufaktura Zrt.
Norris playfully implied that Verstappen was to blame for the incident because he had placed the trophy “dangerously close” to the edge of the podium when he spoke to the press shortly after the Hungary race. However, a week later in Spa, Norris was eager to make up for the incident and his previous remarks.
“I would like to begin by expressing my apologies for the incident,” Norris stated during the pre-event press conference at Spa, the venue for the upcoming Belgian GP and the last race before F1’s summer hiatus.
“I had no intention whatsoever of ever engaging in such an action. Additionally, I am aware of the significant value it holds for the Hungarian people and its integral role in their culture.”
“Naturally, I desire to savor the moment [commemorating on the podium], but I never intended to engage in such an act.”
I apologized to Max for my actions. I admit that I made a few jokes about it, which perhaps was not appropriate. However, I genuinely regret my behavior. If someone did the same thing to my trophy, it would definitely bother me!
In the post-race Press Conference, Lando Norris from McLaren secured the 2nd position while Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing claimed the 1st position.
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
I sincerely apologize for this and, of course, to the individuals who dedicated their time and effort to create it. I truly did not intend for this to occur. I will ensure that I am much more cautious in future celebrations.
Norris responded with a negative when questioned about altering his celebration style in the event of future podium wins.
I see no justification for doing so; I will simply be more cautious in my actions. I will temporarily relocate the trophies and proceed accordingly.
Verstappen also disclosed at Spa that the trophy does not belong to him, but rather to the team. This aligns with Red Bull’s practice of retaining podium prizes and exhibiting them at their display in Milton Keynes. It is worth noting that this display was infamously targeted by burglars in 2014.
Verstappen mentioned that he intended to retain the damaged trophy as a keepsake, but also stated that it was not a concern since they would be receiving a replacement.
“I am unaware of their current activities regarding it. I believe it is currently located at the factory.”
“It seems that it takes them six months to create a replacement, so I suppose they can hold onto the faulty one during that time.”
Jon Noble also contributed to the reporting of this information.
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