Lando Norris, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, hit back after being criticised for drinking a can of Coca-Cola in the drivers' room following the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, despite Formula 1's partnership with rival drinks brand Pepsi.
According to The Sun, a member of staff reminded the McLaren driver of his sponsorship obligations after spotting him with the can. Norris was unmoved by the comment.
He said, quoted by champion.com.ua, that he had just finished the race, so he could drink what he wanted, thank you very much.
Mixed fortunes on track
Norris, from Bristol, has driven for McLaren since making his Formula 1 debut in 2019. The remark came after a race of mixed fortunes for the Briton, who claimed pole position after winning qualifying, but a mistake by his team cost him the lead once the race got underway.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes capitalised on Norris's misfortune to take the win, his eighth of the season. Norris recovered to finish third, with four-time world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull taking second place.
Antonelli closes in on the title
Antonelli, who stepped up to Mercedes for the 2025 season as part of the team's young driver programme, has emerged as one of the sport's fastest-rising talents. At 20 years old, he now leads the drivers' championship by 81 points over his closest rival, Mercedes teammate George Russell.
The Spanish Grand Prix moved to a new circuit in Madrid, known as Madring, from the 2026 season, ending a long run of races at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The circuit is one of several new venues Formula 1 has added to its calendar in recent seasons as the sport expands its global reach.
The next round of the season takes place on September 26, when the field heads to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
