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When Daniel Ricciardo first raised a shoe to his lips on a Formula One podium, few could have predicted it would become one of the sport’s most recognisable gestures. In a candid conversation with Ford CEO Jim Farley, Ricciardo traced the move back to friendships, travel culture and a desire to keep his personality visible inside a tightly scripted arena. The act — now widely known as the Shoey — began as a nod to small, informal rituals rather than a calculated publicity stunt. For Ricciardo, it served as an effortless way to signal that he remained connected to his homeland and his mates even while racing around the world.
The driver explained that the idea had roots in various social practices: some European customs, plus a particular Australian surf crew that made drinking from footwear part of their travel lore. Ricciardo described how groups like the Mad Hueys would return from surf trips having swapped stories and, occasionally, shared a beverage from a shoe. That image stuck with him. The gesture also offered a contrast to the then-conservative vibe of Formula One: a simple, humanising moment that loosened the sport’s formality and gave fans something spontaneous to latch onto.
Origins of the Shoey
Ricciardo admits the exact genealogy of the Shoey is a mix of influences. He referenced research from friends that suggested a German antecedent, while emphasising the personal Australian connections that made the celebration meaningful to him. The idea was never meant to become an obligatory ritual; originally it felt like a quirky one-off. Yet when he first performed it publicly, the response caught him off guard. What began as an informal homage to travel culture and camaraderie quickly took a life of its own under the bright lights of the podium.
Why he kept doing it
Beyond national pride, Ricciardo used the Shoey to project character in a sport he felt was too buttoned-up. He described a conscious effort to retain his individuality within Formula One’s strict protocols, aiming to “relax the shoulders” of the paddock. When fans began chanting for the Shoey at later events, he recognised the gesture had become a form of entertainment and connection. The crowd’s enthusiasm — and occasional disappointment when he didn’t perform it — encouraged him to make the shoe part of his consistent podium behaviour rather than an occasional flourish.
Public reaction and ritualization
The moment that cemented the tradition occurred at a race where Ricciardo chose not to perform the Shoey on the podium. Fans loudly expressed their displeasure with chants and even boos, making it clear they wanted the spectacle. That response persuaded him to adopt the practice as a recurring feature of his top-three finishes. Over time, what began as a personal wink to friends evolved into a fan-driven ritual, one that crowds expected and media outlets loved to cover. The Shoey became part of Ricciardo’s brand and a memorable fixture of many podium ceremonies.
How chants shaped the ritual
The dynamic between driver and audience played a crucial role in ritualising the Shoey. When supporters called for the act, Ricciardo felt compelled to respond, recognising the power of fan engagement in shaping modern sports theatre. The interaction typified how a single, simple action can be amplified by live reaction and social media, turning a private joke into an international talking point. This feedback loop transformed the act from spontaneous to expected, demonstrating how crowd culture can codify a performance into tradition.
Playful provocation and podium politics
Ricciardo also revealed he sometimes used the Shoey tactically to unsettle rivals. Inviting another driver to drink from his shoe — particularly someone not on friendly terms — created an awkward choice: accept the gesture or risk fans’ disapproval. That playful provocation became part of the theatre around podiums, highlighting how sportsmanship and showmanship can converge. The Shoey thus operated on several levels: a personal emblem, a fan-pleaser and a mild psychological jibe aimed at competitors.
Today the Shoey remains one of the most talked-about podium acts in motorsport, emblematic of how small cultural practices can expand into global phenomena. Ricciardo’s willingness to keep a piece of his home with him on race weekends, and to present it unapologetically on the world stage, helped the gesture endure beyond a single victory. Whether appreciated as a cheeky tradition or criticised as silliness, the Shoey stands as a reminder that sport often thrives on personality as much as performance — an unscripted moment that connected driver, fans and the wider racing story.