Daniel Ricciardo Defends Gross Tradition With Absurd Logic: “Kind of Helping…”

Daniel Ricciardo is a peculiar character of F1. Everything about the Aussie is different from other drivers on the grid. Over the years, one of his peculiar habits has become famous whenever he gets on the podium – The Shoey. Now, drinking champagne or any beverage in a sweaty shoe ain’t the most hygienic thing. Although, the Red Bull reserve man has enlightened fans with how his podium tradition is an admirable thing he does for his competitors.

Speaking on the Unlapped podcast by ESPN, Daniel expressed his thoughts about the Shoey. He also cited how everyone feels it is gross and the worst at times. Ricciardo said, “The worst [shoes] are when they are not yours. They obviously don’t like, a race show is pretty bad.”

The Aussie clarified how the shoes he uses for the Shoey are the same ones he wore during the race. He does not change them before the podium in the cool-down room. Daniel further defended his “Shoey” tradition by giving an absurd logic.

When one of the hosts Katie asked him about does it taste salty? Daniel replied, “Yea but we do crave salts after a race because we are dehydrated. So, I am kind of helping my competitors, which is admirable.”  

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Ricciardo certainly likes doing this favorite tradition whenever he gets a podium. Although, he too once raised doubts about doing it frequently can cause issues for him and his mates. Besides, several drivers like Hamilton have detested and tried to avoid Danny Ric making them share the Shoey moment with him.

From Lewis Hamilton to Nico Rosberg – Drivers and Celebrities who did the Shoey with Daniel Ricciardo

Almost every time Daniel Ricciardo has been on the podium in F1, the man has done a Shoey celebration. Although, the man from Perth also got several others to share the drink from his shoe. Lewis Hamilton has been one of the unfortunate ones who did not like it but had to do it.

In 2020, after sealing his 93rd race win, Hamilton shared the champagne as Daniel was on the podium with him in Imola. He did not like it very much. Still, the 7-time champion drank and shared the moment with Ricciardo. It was a great gesture from Lewis to not refuse or complain about the Honey Badger’s insistence on doing the Shoey.

But, his former teammate and rival Nico Rosberg showed a completely opposite reaction in 2016. After finishing behind the Red Bull duo of Max Verstappen and Ricciardo in Malaysia, Ricciardo once again offered the Shoey to both the podium sitters. While Max had it without any hesitation, Nico absolutely hated it to drink from Daniel’s shoes.

Nonetheless, there have been several drivers and even celebrities who have done the Shoey sportingly. Former Red Bull driver and Daniel’s fellow Australian Mark Webber did it in Belgium in 2016, happily for Daniel’s sake. Meanwhile, in 2017, Lance Stroll too liked on the podium in Baku.

F1 veteran and Sky Sports expert Martin Brundle too was excited to drink champagne in the Aussie way at the 2017 Austrian GP. Although, the most iconic one was actor Sir Patrick Stewart trying the Shoey in Canada that year. Even the Honey Badger was stunned to see Patrick liking it.

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Daniel Ricciardo would certainly hope he gets another chance to pull off the Shoey again. The thought of it may be unhygienic yet. It is a different vibe that Ricciardo brings with this podium tradition to F1. So, let’s hope Monza 2021 was not the last of the Iconic celebration by Danny Ric!