Traditional Champagne on the Formula 1 podium is being replaced

The Executive representing the governance of Formula 1 has signed a three-year contract with the Italian company Ferrari Trento. Now it is clear and undeniable in the immediate future that sparkling wine will replace the Champagne brand Carbon during Formula 1 when spraying winners. We will see the sparkling wine on the podiums in 2021. This is not the first time that the wines of this brand have been used in Formula 1 races.

The sparkling wines of Ferrari Trento were first presented at the Monza Grand Prix podium in 1981. Champions tried wine and the event was captured on film. This year sparkling wines will also be presented at the Paddock Club and all official Formula 1 events.

Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, officially confirmed that Ferrari Trento is now a partner of Formula 1.

Changing partners

In 2016, Formula One was already changing partners, and it was decided to switch to the Champagne brand Carbon after years of collaboration with Moet and Mumm.

Returning to its historical origins, the custom of awarding champagne to the winner originated with Formula 1 during the sixth championship, held in Reims in 1950. Juan-Manuel Fangio was the first winner, who celebrated his triumph with a bottle of champagne.

At the beginning of this tradition, the winners were humbly satisfied with just a glass of champagne, but in 1967 the tradition changed forever. American Dan Gregy, who was at the finish line, shook the bottle and provided spectators with an incredible spectacle and a champagne shower.

First partners

Paul Sándón Moët and Frederick Sándón de Briá, who were both big motorsport enthusiasts and hereditary champagne producers, were the first initiators of the use of this drink on Formula 1 podiums. Moët and Chandon were the official suppliers of champagne at the race until 2000.

Exceptions and rules for the use of alcohol during races

Interestingly, some countries have put their own restrictions on the application of this tradition which involves alcohol.

In France, Evin law required the removal of labels from bottles in order not to advertise alcohol. 

In Abu Dhabi, for its part, since alcohol is prohibited on Muslim soil, and since the first Grand Prix there in 2010, the showers have been performed with sparkling rose water and lemonade.