Norris offers apology over Verstappen trophy smash

Lando Norris has apologised to Max Verstappen for smashing his Hungarian Grand Prix winners' trophy.

The McLaren driver knocked the porcelain trophy off the top step of the Hungaroring podium when triggering his customary tap of his sparkling wine bottle, leaving it shattered on the ground.

Norris and Red Bull driver Verstappen, who extended his margin over teammate Sergio Perez in the Drivers' standings to 110 points with victory last weekend, joked about the incident in the aftermath - the Dutchman quipping he had shown a 'red card' over the matter.

But comments from Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko pointed to a lack of respect from the duo ahead of Verstappen's reception of a newly-created trophy.

Norris's apology

"I do want to apologise for it," Norris told media including RacingNews365.

"I obviously had no intention to do such a thing, and I know how much it means to the Hungarians and it is part of their culture.

"It was never my intention to do such a thing and I did apologise to Max, I know I made a couple of jokes about it which maybe I should not have.

"I know if it was my trophy, I'd be annoyed, so I do apologise for it.

"Obviously for all the people who put the time and effort into making it, I really didn't mean for it to happen so I'll make sure I am a lot more careful next time celebrating."

On whether a change of celebration tactics was needed, Norris replied: "There's no reason why I should, I'll just take a little bit more care.

"I'll just move the trophies aside and then continue."