Daniel Ricciardo reveals the Australian origins and personal meaning behind his iconic 'Shoey' celebration

Daniel Ricciardo has explained that his famous 'Shoey' podium celebration was inspired by Australian surf culture and served as a deliberate act of personal expression in what he felt was a "buttoned-up" Formula 1 environment. The ritual, which involves drinking champagne from his racing boot, became an unexpected fan favorite, forcing him to perform it at every subsequent podium.

Why it matters:

Ricciardo's Shoey transcended a simple victory celebration to become a signature statement of identity and a catalyst for changing F1's culture. It highlights how a driver's personality can engage fans and add a layer of relatable spectacle to the sport, moving it away from a more rigid and corporate image toward one that embraces individual flair and fan interaction.

The details:

• In an interview with Ford CEO Jim Farley, Ricciardo traced the Shoey's roots to a group of Australian surfers known as the "Mad Hueys," who would drink from their shoes on global trips.
• Having lived away from Australia for years, Ricciardo adopted the act as a tribute to his homeland, stating, "it was my way of showing, I guess, Australia that I'm still Australian."
• He also framed it as a conscious effort to "remain myself" and "relax the shoulders" of an F1 paddock he perceived as formal and restrictive a decade ago.
• After the first Shoey, he planned to reserve it only for major wins, but fan demand during the next podium in Singapore—where chants turned to boos when he didn't do it—made it a mandatory ritual for all his podium finishes.

Between the lines:

Ricciardo's story underscores the powerful, sometimes unintended, dialogue between a driver and the fans. What began as a personal nod to his roots was quickly co-opted by the audience, transforming a spontaneous act into an expected part of his brand. This dynamic shows how modern F1 stardom is as much about charismatic engagement and memorable moments as it is about pure racing results, with Ricciardo successfully using the Shoey to cement his status as one of the sport's most popular and recognizable figures.