The Pop That Changed Motorsport: Moët & Chandon and Formula 1 Celebrate 60 Years of the Champagne Spray

Moët & Chandon and Formula 1 are celebrating the 60th anniversary of one of motorsport’s most recognizable traditions: the champagne spray, a jubilant ritual that has become synonymous with victory on the podium. 

The tradition traces its roots back to the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. In a departure from custom, Henry Ford II requested a three-litre Moët & Chandon Jeroboam to celebrate a potential Ford victory. During the podium ceremony, a bottle presented to category winners Jo Siffert and Colin Davis was shaken too vigorously, causing its cork to burst and champagne to spray across the podium. What began as an accident quickly became a memorable moment in motorsport history.

A year later, American racing driver Dan Gurney intentionally recreated the moment after winning the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside A.J. Foyt, deliberately spraying champagne over the crowd and establishing what would become a global sporting tradition.

The celebration reached Formula 1 in 1969 when Sir Jackie Stewart brought the ritual to the French Grand Prix podium. Since then, generations of racing legends—including Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris—have added their own flair to the iconic victory celebration.

Today, the champagne spray remains one of Formula 1’s most enduring symbols, representing the culmination of precision, performance, and triumph. As the sport and Moët & Chandon commemorate six decades of the tradition, the message remains unchanged: victory is best when shared.

Founded in 1743, Moët & Chandon is one of the world’s leading champagne houses and serves as the Official Champagne of Formula 1, continuing a partnership that celebrates excellence, achievement, and unforgettable moments on the global stage.