Race and classic pictures

Enchanté: Ricciardo trades the ‘shoey’ for a sip of sophistication

Ahead of next week’s Australian Grand Prix, local hero Daniel Ricciardo is raising a glass to his latest venture: a Rosé wine dubbed ‘Enchanté.’

The 35-year-old Aussie, who last raced in F1 at Singapore in 2024, has stepped away – temporarily – from his life in the fast lane to indulge in a more refined pace.

Once known for guzzling victory champagne from his sweaty racing boot in his infamous ‘shoey’ ritual, Ricciardo now toasts with a graceful swirl of pink perfection – proof he’s traded podium grime for vineyard finesse.

Ricciardo, who had been quiet for an extended period on social media, broke his silence to unveil ‘Enchanté,’ a collaboration with St Hugo that builds on his DR3 wine legacy launched in 2020.

“My friends and I would say ‘enchanté’ instead of cheers just to sound sophisticated,” he quipped, likely with that trademark grin.

“The reality of doing this now, over a glass of Enchanté Rosé, blows my mind.”

No more chugging from footwear; the Perth-born star is living his “best Enchanté life,” and the future, he insists, “is looking rosé.”

Enchanté Rosé hits Dan Murphy’s shelves nationwide in Australia and will flow at a dedicated stand in Melbourne.

So, while Max Verstappen battles for wins, Ricciardo’s pouring one out – elegantly, of course – for the fans. Cheers, mate!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.