Daniel Ricciardo has detailed the origins of his signature ‘shoey’ podium celebration, revealing it began as a dual gesture. The act was initially a message to friends in Australia and also a conscious effort to introduce levity into the Formula 1 paddock. Ricciardo retired from Formula 1 after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, concluding a 14-year career.
The ‘shoey’ first appeared on an F1 podium at the 2016 German Grand Prix, where Ricciardo finished second. He stated the practice was not a calculated stunt but a way to connect with his Australian friends.
Ricciardo drew inspiration from a group of Australian surfers and fishermen known as ‘The Mad Hueys,’ who popularized the act. MotoGP rider Jack Miller had also performed a ‘shoey’ after a victory in 2016, further influencing Ricciardo.
Beyond national pride, Ricciardo aimed to challenge the perceived formality within Formula 1. He observed drivers on the podium who appeared discontent, even after strong results.
I would see drivers on the podium sometimes, and they looked miserable, and I couldn’t really understand why. The sport feels a little stiff, and that was also my way of trying to bring in something else to the sport. I felt like the tie was choking everyone, and I was like, ‘Let’s undo a button here and relax a little’.
The celebration quickly gained notoriety, leading to other prominent figures participating. Sir Patrick Stewart, the acclaimed actor, famously performed a ‘shoey’ with Ricciardo at the 2017 Canadian Grand Prix. Stewart reportedly requested to join the tradition.
Lewis Hamilton also took part in a ‘shoey’ at the 2020 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. This occurred despite Hamilton previously stating in 2017 that he would never engage in the practice, describing it as ‘disgusting.’
Other notable individuals who have participated in the ‘shoey’ include Mark Webber at the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix and Christian Horner, Max Verstappen, and Nico Rosberg at the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix.
Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career spanned from 2011 to 2024, encompassing 257 starts. He secured eight Grand Prix victories and achieved 32 podium finishes. His best championship results were third place in both the 2014 and 2016 seasons.
Following his departure from F1, Ricciardo was replaced by Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls for the final races of the 2024 season. In September 2025, he transitioned into a new role as a Global Ambassador for the Ford Racing division.
His ambassadorial duties with Ford Racing are not directly linked to the company’s Formula 1 power unit partnership with Red Bull. Instead, Ricciardo is involved with other Ford racing series globally.
Ricciardo attended the Indy500 in May 2026 as a spectator. He has indicated a potential future return to racing, emphasizing a focus on enjoyment rather than championship pursuits.
