Remembering Sir Patrick Stewart: The Knight Who Embraced the 'Shoey'

Sir Patrick Stewart, the legendary actor renowned for his roles in Star Trek and X-Men, has passed away at the age of 86. While his cinematic contributions are immortal, Formula 1 fans will remember him as a genuine enthusiast of the sport who once brought theatrical flair to the podium in Montreal.

Why it matters:

Stewart's presence at the 2017 Canadian Grand Prix bridged the gap between global pop culture and high-speed racing. His willingness to engage in the sport's more eccentric traditions humanized the prestige of the podium, leaving a lasting legacy of authenticity and spirit that resonated far beyond the paddock.

The Details:

• The Podium Moment: During the 2017 Canadian GP, Stewart joined race winner Lewis Hamilton and third-place finisher Daniel Ricciardo for the post-race interviews.
• The Legendary 'Shoey': In a moment that went globally viral, Stewart joined Ricciardo in his signature celebration, drinking champagne directly from the driver's racing boot.
• The Wit: When a hesitant Lewis Hamilton questioned the hygiene of the act, citing the sweat in the boot, Stewart famously replied, "I don’t care – I’m on the podium for the first time; I’ll drink out of anybody’s shoe!"
• Theatrical Delivery: Stewart used his renowned acting skills to rally the Canadian crowd, turning a standard trophy presentation into a memorable piece of sports entertainment.

The Big Picture:

Looking back from 2026, as F1 continues to expand its celebrity reach, Stewart's appearance remains a gold standard for authentic engagement. Unlike the meticulously managed corporate appearances common today, his interaction was driven by pure enthusiasm and a sense of adventure, reminding the community of the joy and unpredictability that define motorsport.