Daniel Ricciardo is arguably one of the most popular drivers on the current F1 grid. In addition to extraordinary skills on the track, the Australian’s personality is one of the most energetic in the paddock.
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Last weekend Ricciardo took his eighth race win in his career and his first in three years. This heralded the return of the Shoey, which Ricciardo established as a trademark at his podium celebrations.
What inspired Daniel Ricciardo for his legendary Shoey celebration?
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In its 10-year career, the Honey Badger has achieved eight race wins and 32 podiums. Despite taking his first podium at the 2014 Spanish Grand Prix, he introduced the Shoey just two years later. The celebration made its debut at the 2016 German Grand Prix after Ricciardo took second place.
HOCKENHEIM, GERMANY – JULY 31: Daniel Ricciardo from Australia and Max Verstappen from the Netherlands both from Red Bull Racing during the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Germany at the Hockenheimring on July 31, 2016 in Hockenheim, Germany. (Photo by Peter Fox / Getty Images)
During the drivers press conference in Singapore earlier this year, the Australian revealed that the Mad Hueys inspired his celebration. He said, “Basically, it comes from a couple of Aussies named Mad Hueys. You basically travel the world fishing and surfing and enjoy drinking lots of beer – so the Shoey started. “
Though Ricciardo introduced the tradition to Formula 1, he admitted that he continued the trend after fellow Australian Jack Miller did in MotoGP.
“Jack Miller knows some of the Huey boys when he got his [Moto GP] Victory in Assen, I knew he would make it – I just thought I would continue the Australian tradition, ”said the 32-year-old.
Has Ricciardo ever skipped the Shoey since it was introduced in 2016?
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Although it happened unknowingly, the answer to it is yes. After the Monaco Grand Prix in 2018, Ricciardo went through the 2019 season without stepping onto the podium. This was the first time since 2013 that the Australian managed this unintended feat.
Last season he took his first podium with Renault at the Grand Prix of the Eifel. And it seemed like he was out of practice when he forgot to celebrate by performing the iconic celebration on the Nürburgring podium.
Formula 1 F1 – Eifel Grand Prix – Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany – Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo celebrates with sparkling wine on the podium after third place next to race winner Mercedes Lewis Hamilton Pool via REUTERS / Wolfgang Rattay
However, this was the only time he forgot about the Shoey. And this year not only did the Shoey return in Monza, but Ricciardo and Siegerstrasse found each other again.
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