Lando Norris criticised over Coca-Cola in Madrid cool-down room

Lando Norris found himself in hot water at the Spanish Grand Prix after bringing a can of Coca-Cola into the cool-down room. The McLaren driver, who finished third in Madrid, was confronted by a staff member and fired back sharply.

Why it matters:

The moment highlights the fine line between personal choice and professional conduct in F1's commercialized world. With Pepsi holding an official sponsorship deal, Norris's drink choice was always going to raise eyebrows - and Guenther Steiner was quick to question his judgment.

The Details:

• Norris looked set to challenge for a third win in four races before settling for third at the Madring.
• A staff member flagged the can, prompting Norris to fire back: "I just did a race, so I'm allowed to drink what I would like. Thank you so much."
• Steiner was blunt on The Red Flags podcast: "If you are a professional, you don't do that. End of story. You know what you can do and what you cannot do. You're well trained."
• "Will somebody get hurt? No. But as a pro, you shouldn't do it," the former Haas boss added.
• Steiner noted Coca-Cola is "laughing" over the free publicity generated by the fuss.

Between the Lines:

Steiner's closing remark - "I couldn't give a shit!" - captured the absurdity. Had the staff member stayed silent, the moment would have gone unnoticed. Instead, the exchange handed Coca-Cola a win at Pepsi's expense.

What's Next:

Norris will be eager to move on as the championship battle intensifies. The reigning champion remains a key contender, and this distraction is unlikely to linger.