Athletes tend to be more superstitious than others. Game day, or in this case, race day rituals seem to be a must for drivers like Red Bull F1's Daniel Ricciardo. However, the Aussie may have one of the most unusual victory celebrations of all, urging random victims to take part in a shoey, otherwise known as drinking the sweet, sweet champagne from a sweaty, sweaty racing boot. However, after seeing five of these, erg, questionable performances in the last five races, Ricciardo says that the shoey may have run its course.
The shoey is typically placed upon, but not limited to, fellow drivers challenged by Ricciardo himself. Hell, he's even put the burden on Sir Patrick Stewart. But after yet another podium for the driver last Sunday, things may be coming to an end for the tradition.
Austrian Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas turned down the offer to pour shoe-booze down his gullet, influencing Ricciardo to put a hold on the event, reports ABC.
"I heard the Finns drink. I really heard that. But Valtteri did not carry his flag well last Sunday," he said. "Shame on him. Wow. Valtteri Bottas. Disappointed. That's it. No more shoeys."
Admittedly, the gimmick went on longer than the Red Bull star expected.
"I'm just walking along, minding my business and they're like 'do a shoey' ... I don't actually just take my shoe off while I'm walking in the street and drink out of it. I feel like I dug a hole for myself with this one," he said.
The informal toast even caught on with F1 interviewers with David Coulthard and Martin Brundle encouraging it.
"DC (Coulthard) took my shoes off and then in Austria Martin was frothing for it. I feel like there's some real sick bastards around here. I never thought it would continue like this," says Ricciardo.
With a bit of strange reluctance, we bid the shoey farewell. But, if Ricciardo goes on another tear like he has for the last handful of grand prix races, it might just make a comeback.
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