WATCH: When Lando Norris-Inspired Podium Celebration Horribly Backfired in Formula-E

Driving a racing car can be difficult. Remember the track layout, corner numbers, entry, exit details, countering G-forces, memorizing strategy details, and whatnot. But as Mercedes’s Stoffel Vandoorne found out, drivers must also make sure they don’t break the champagne bottle when celebrating, thanks to Lando Norris’ influence. 

Celebrating his win, he got a bit too eager and broke the bottle in the process. Two years later on and it seems like his team hasn’t forgotten it. Tweeting “Never forget….”, the Brackley-based outfit took a cheeky dig at their driver. 

The Lando Norris-inspired celebration

We’ve often seen this celebration unfold when Lando Norris finds himself on the podium. The Briton has a unique way of popping open the champagne; Norris would smash the expensive bottle vertically on the podium step, causing the nozzle to break and the champagne to gush out of it.

Similarly, former McLaren driver, Vandoorne attempted the unique kind of celebration only for the bottle to break into pieces.

Securing his maiden win in Formula E in Round 11 of the 2019/2020 Berlin E-Prix, the Belgian led home a stunning 1-2 for the Mercedes-Benz EQ team. Stoffel also went on to secure second in the Driver’s standings that year. The German giant also went on to secure third in the Constructors’ title and their best results since they entered the sport. 

“What an incredible race. It was perfect for us,” said Stoffel. “Seb (Buemi) was always close but we felt we had him in control. We couldn’t have hoped for any better a way to end the season, and second in the standings is a real bonus.”

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“To execute our race pace from the lead is something new and I’m super happy we managed to pull it off. The whole team has done a fantastic job. I struggled in qualifying in the last couple of races but everything was picture perfect today.”

Stoffel Vandoorne’s 2022 season and beyond

The 2022 season has been a bit up and down for the Belgian. But nevertheless, after the Monaco E-Prix, the Mercedes driver has retaken the lead in the driver’s standings. The win in Monaco is also the Belgian’s first win in Formula E this season. 

Apart from the race tracks, he has also been making moves in the drivers market. Last year Mercedes had announced that it was leaving Formula E after 2022. According to The Race, Stoffel is all set to be part of the DS Penske for the 2023 Formula E season, and partner Jean-Eric Vergne. 

“I’m relatively clear that I’ll pretty much be sure to be on the grid next year in Gen3 and that’s where I want to be as well,” said Vandoorne in Monaco last time around. 

“There’s a lot of changes happening, and I just need to make sure in my mind what the best thing available is for the future and then we take a decision on that.”

After being booted from McLaren Formula 1 team, Vandoorne joined the HWA Racelab team after which Mercedes decided to take over the program themselves. After being on the grid for over three seasons now, it remains if the Belgian can win the driver’s championship. 

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