Rev Your Engines and Raise Your Glasses: The F1 Grand Prix & Champagne

“I always thought that after winning a race, I would enjoy a glass of champagne, but I never really got the chance because I was always too busy thinking about the next race.”
— Juan Manuel Fangio

Juan Manuel Fangio, a legendary Formula 1 driver, perfectly captures the thrilling blend of champagne celebrations and the laser-sharp focus that defines the heart of Formula 1 racing in his famous quote. Fangio took the chequered flag on the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit, part of the inaugural Formula 1 World Championship calendar in 1950. Just two weeks later, he triumphed again at the French Grand Prix at Reims-Gueux, a circuit nestled in the heart of Champagne—where victory and a glass of bubbly were already a perfect pairing!

This Sunday marks the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix! While we’re all for a toast with champagne, we’re not fans of wasting it with sprays—let’s keep those bubbles for sipping! But it’s fun to look back at how champagne became the ultimate celebratory drink in sports.

Champagne made its grand debut in the world of sports in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until 1967 that the iconic podium spray tradition was born. That year, driver Dan Gurney made history at Le Mans, France, when he joyously shook a magnum of Moët & Chandon and sprayed it over his teammates and fans. His spontaneous outburst became an unforgettable moment and is now one of the most cherished rituals in motorsport and Formula 1.

Cheers to a sparkling partnership!

With LVMH and Formula 1 teaming up for a thrilling decade-long alliance, Moët & Chandon will now be the Official Champagne of the championship!

So, this weekend, we’ll be raising a glass to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix—savouring every drop, of course!

Bon week-end et santé! 🥂