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Was There the Traditional Alcoholic Champagne During F1 Podium Celebrations in Saudi Arabia? Verstappen Reveals the Answer

Published 12/05/2021, 3:40 PM EST

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via Reuters

Champagne is one of the most prestigious parts of Formula One. Having celebrated the win or achieving a podium finish, drivers spray themselves and each other with alcohol.

However, there are some changes made to the celebration when the world of Formula One visits Middle Eastern countries. Due to their religious beliefs, alcohol is banned, and the drivers have to make sparkling wine. But as Saudi Arabia hosts its first F1 race, they could loosen up the rules.

Saudi Arabia could lift the ban on alcohol after hosting the Saudi Arabian GP

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Alcohol is seen as a taboo in Muslim countries, but as Saudi Arabia hosted its first F1 race this weekend in Jeddah, it could see them loosen up the rules. As mentioned in the Koran, “The sin [of drinking wine] is greater than the benefit.”

via Reuters

A royal advisor said, “Champagne is part of the ceremony. Jeddah [the host city] will have seen nothing like it,” While, Khalid al-Faisal said, “We’re opening our country up to the world.”

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But podium finisher Max Verstappen said, “There was no champagne. Wouldn‘t have been fun.” 

Watch Story: When F1 Drivers Had a Blast on Top Gear Featuring Hamilton, Vettel & Ricciardo

The fight for the championship keeps getting exciting

Lewis Hamilton has made three wins in a row, after taking the chequered flag in Jeddah at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Knight took home twenty-six points, taking his total up to 369.5 points in the driver’s championship.

via Reuters

Meanwhile, his title-rival, Max Verstappen tasted defeated at the hands of Hamilton and had to settle for second place; taking home eighteen points from Jeddah. The result of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix sees them equal on points.

Now, the two title contenders will have their final battle at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Who will be crowned world champion once they cross the line in the final race of the season? Let us know what you think in the comments below

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Extraordinary Drama in Saudi Arabia as Verstappen is Penalized After ‘Brake-Testing’ Lewis Hamilton

 

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Written by:

Arpit Gomes

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Arpit Gomes is an F1 author at EssentiallySports. Currently pursuing his Journalism degree from Xavier’s Institute, he is a big fan of McLaren and their driver Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo. Arpit always looks forward to the paddock moving to Spa and drivers dealing with the exciting Eau Rouge corner as well the straight at Monza.
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