Lando Norris fires back after bizarre Spanish GP 'cola' incident

Lando Norris fired back after being told not to drink a can of Coca-Cola in Formula 1's cooldown room following the Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring.

The reigning world champion started on pole and was looking set to claim a comfortable victory before becoming the latest victim of virtual safety car timing.

Lance Stroll pulled off the circuit with brake issues in the final sector, resulting in a virtual safety car – the race's only interruption in the Spanish capital.

Unfortunately for Norris, he had just passed the pit entry as the VSC was confirmed, while it ended before the conclusion of the following lap.

It cost the McLaren driver significantly, as Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen behind both benefitted from pitting during the VSC, losing less time than they would have during a normal stop.

Due to having to take a normal pit stop later in the race, Norris fell from first to third, where he went on to finish.

Norris was frustrated after the race having lost a likely win, and was seen on the broadcast drinking a can of Coca-Cola in the cooldown room.

The soft drink brand is not a sponsor of F1, which holds a deal with its biggest rival, PepsiCo. It is, however, a sponsor of McLaren.

While drinking the beverage in the cooldown room, Norris appeared to be told to put the Coca-Cola away, with Antonelli also indicating that he should hide the label.

Norris was having none of it and responded to the individual querying the Coca-Cola: "I just did a race, so I'm allowed to drink what I would like. Thank you so much."

Fans have quickly taken to social media to praise the Briton's response, defending his right to drink whatever he chooses after a gruelling race.