In recent days, the presence of Mexican driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez has caused a stir in Mexico City, as it was announced that he would participate in the Red Bull Show Run CDMX 2021, a route along Paseo de la Reforma, from the Diana Cazadora to the Ángel de la Independencia. However, the excitement of Formula 1 is just beginning, as the Mexico City Grand Prix will take place from November 5 to 7 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

At kiwilimón, we know that many are excited about this prestigious sporting event, so here we tell you more about its legendary tradition, in which the winning driver showers the other drivers and the fans with a huge bottle of champagne.

Why do drivers celebrate with champagne?

According to various media outlets, the tradition of spraying other drivers and the public with champagne began in 1960; however, this way of celebrating has a precedent. In 1950, when the first Grand Prix was held in France, the winner received a bottle of this sparkling drink as part of the prize.

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About 10 years later, Formula 1 adopted the tradition of soaking their colleagues and the public with the traditional French sparkling wine , but it was all an accident. In 1966, Swiss driver Jo Siffert won an important race, for which he received a bottle of champagne. When he opened it, he accidentally sprayed the liquid on the public, as the legend has it that it had been sitting in the sun for a while, causing pressure to build up.

By the following year, the incident had caught the attention of other race drivers. In 1967, American driver Dan Gurney chose to spray the spectators with a bottle of champagne after his victory. According to the site Dyler, in an interview, Dan Gurney stated that it was a spontaneous gesture and that “I had no idea I would start a tradition. I didn’t care and was focused on the moment. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments when everything comes together perfectly… I thought this hard-fought victory needed something special.”

In those years, drivers received a bottle of Moët & Chandon, but later they were given a bottle of G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut champagne, a special edition of Formula 1, which costs approximately $9,868.

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Formula 1 welcomes a legendary brand

In March 2021, the Italian champagne brand Ferrari Trento announced that it would become the official brand of Formula 1 to celebrate. This collaboration between both brands will last for at least three years.

According to a press release, this is one of the most recognized sparkling wine brands, which was founded by a family in the Trentino region of the Italian Alps.

What is Formula 1?

The renowned Formula 1, also known as F1, is the most prestigious and famous motorsport competition in the world. The organization holds competitions in different countries, referred to as “Grand Prix,” which are part of the Formula 1 World Championship.

F1 as we know it today began in 1950, and although it has undergone many changes over the years, it continues to captivate fans in Mexico and around the world.

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