There is a new sommelier in town and he knows the best mix to create the taste of victory.

Daniel Ricciardo is making a habit of standing on Formula One podiums and pouring the celebratory champagne into his racing shoes for a victory toast.

At last month's Belgian Grand Prix, where the Australian finished second, not only did the Red Bull driver drink from his (presumably sweaty) footwear, he offered former F1 driver and compatriot Mark Webber a swig of the bubbly as well.

Ricciardo said yesterday that the trend, which was recently picked up by MotoGP ace Valentino Rossi, was first started by a group of Aussies called the Mad Hueys, who travel the world surfing, fishing and getting people to drink alcohol from shoes just for laughs.

He saw the funny side of it, saying: "I think it's just a bit of fun now, everyone's enjoying it.

"Honestly, if the sparkling wine is cold, then it tastes good. If it's warm then sure, you would get the sweat. But the cold taste kills the bad stuff, so it's delicious!"

Ricciardo has promised to do another "shoey" if he wins in Singapore on Sunday. His fellow drivers have been warned.

Wang Meng Meng