RACE DEBRIEF

    Just before the summer break, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris shared a smashing time in more ways than one as the McLaren driver’s enthusiastic podium celebrations left his Red Bull rival with a damaged trophy.

    After following the Dutchman home for a memorable P2 finish at the Hungaroring, Norris slammed his champagne bottle into the podium as part of a trademark celebration, only for Verstappen’s trophy to topple off the rostrum and break into pieces.

    READ MORE: ‘It was never my intention’ – Norris apologises for breaking Verstappen’s Hungarian GP winner’s trophy

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    Verstappen’s trophy was split in two when Norris sprayed the champagne

    While the pair initially laughed together during the celebrations, it was a moment that an embarrassed Norris later apologised for and news swiftly followed that a replacement trophy was being worked on.

    That moment has now arrived for Verstappen, with an Instagram post from the reigning double world champion on Tuesday showing him picking up a replica and Norris joining him for the reunion.

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    “It’s in one piece!” Verstappen joked as he stepped into the room to see his pristine winner’s trophy on a table, before laughing: “Lando’s not allowed to touch it!”

    It means Verstappen’s trophy cabinet is back to full strength ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he will be pushing for a record-breaking 10th successive win.

    READ MORE: 5 Winners and 5 Losers from the Dutch GP – Who kept their head when the heavens opened?

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