Japanese Grand Prix talking points: Verstappen returns to winning ways as Perez solidifies grip on Red Bull seat
Red Bull and Max Verstappen vaulted right back to the top of the charts with a win in Suzuka, after his DNF in Melbourne.
Aussie Formula 1 favourite Daniel Ricciardo set the Malaysian GP on fire Sunday night, picking up his first win in nearly two years thanks to a bit of good fortune and an even better drive.
But in an increasingly common trend in 2016, it was the post-race podium celebrations that had everyone talking.
Ricciardo amped the crowd up with a bit of banter before delivering what they were all eager to see. The “Shoey”.
The increasingly famous orthotic drinking process came to light on the racing stage earlier this year when Aussie MotoGP rider Jack Miller took a stunning victory at Assen and proceeded to pour the champagne into the sweaty race boot and skull it.
It wasn’t long before good mate Ricciardo caught on and sank a shoey of his own on his next podium.
The #shoey must go on! @danielricciardo
— Daniele Pascale (@Daniele7P) October 3, 2016
But it didn’t end there, oh no.
Under the good old fashioned premise of peer pressure, Ricciardo pushed fellow Australian F1 legend Mark Webber into taking a sip from the cleats on the podium.
The trend has continued past Australians too, with Italian racing God Valentino Rossi jumping on board the shoey train after picking up second place at San Marino.
Even Ricciardo’s young, slightly underage, teammate Max Verstappen couldn’t avoid the sweaty boot given to him by Ricciardo at Malaysia.
Seeing my boy @danielricciardo force everyone on stage to do a #shoey was the best sporting moment of the weekend #madhueys #MalaysiaGP ????
— James Simpson (@JamesSimpson7) October 2, 2016
Si el Liverpool llega a ser campeón voy a beber una Heineken de mi zapato. #Shoey ? pic.twitter.com/tX3QlGvspv
— Pamela Cardenas (@Gatitapam) October 3, 2016
Red Bull racing team boss Christian Horner and Nico Rosberg are also members of the club as the shoey spreads its wings, or laces, across the racing world and into international culture.
Some fans have concerns over the safety of such an act though, pointing out the obvious fact that they are indeed drinking from someone’s shoe.
Yuck drinking champagne from Riccardo's shoe ,hope he hasnt got Fungal disease in his feet #shoey #f1 #Grandprix
— Andy Weir (@AndyWeir12) October 2, 2016
But most just don’t care…
Who am I trying to fool… I would drink from Dan's shoey without thinking twice#F1 #MalaysiaGP #shoey
— Silvia (@silvi8a_lila) October 2, 2016
Australia has given the gift of the shoey. You’re welcome planet earth.