The Tradition of Champagne in Formula 1: A Look Back at Bob Constanduros’ Journey
Since the 1950 French Grand Prix, the act of spraying champagne on the podiums has become an iconic tradition within the realm of Formula 1 racing. This celebratory ritual took on a unique twist with the introduction of the famous call "Champaaaaaagne" by circuit speaker Bob Constanduros. His enthusiastic announcement signals to drivers to douse each other with the sparkling beverage while prompting dignitaries to take cover.
After a four-year period featuring Ferrari Trento, an Italian sparkling wine that cannot legally be labeled champagne, Formula 1 has recently entered into a significant partnership with LVMH, bringing Moët & Chandon champagne back into the mix. This development has elicited excitement from Constanduros, who expressed his joy in returning to a "proper champagne" moment. He shared insights about how he drew inspiration from Spanish football commentators in the 1990s, particularly their animated "Goooool" celebrations. "I once did a 28-second champagne call, but I don’t have the lung capacity for that anymore," he admitted.
Throughout his career, Constanduros has had to adapt his announcements, especially considering cultural sensitivities in various regions. For instance, in Arab countries where champagne is not acceptable, he opts for a more generic celebration phrase. He often recalls the pressure of receiving cues from producers in his ear, reminding him when to announce the champagne moment, stating, "No, it isn’t!" when prepped for a different kind of celebration.
Bob Constanduros’ journey into the world of Formula 1 began during the 1985 season, a process facilitated by Bernie Ecclestone, the influential figure behind the sport’s commercial evolution. "I was doing commentary for Le Mans at night because my uncle, James, would often leave to enjoy drinks with friends. He entrusted the commentary to me," Constanduros reminisced. His entry into Formula 1 was initiated by Alec Deffis Whittaker, who recommended him to Ecclestone as the ideal candidate for the job.
Initially, Constanduros had been filling in for Anthony Marsh, a family friend who had been the circuit speaker. However, it became clear that Ecclestone preferred a different approach to commentary, leading to Constanduros taking over almost entirely from 1985 until 2018, with a few exceptions due to health issues and the pandemic. Presently, he still participates in about ten out of the 24 races, with the remarkable technology at Biggin Hill enabling him to contribute remotely.
Before stepping into the role of a circuit announcer, Constanduros honed his skills as a freelancer, gathering experiences at Autosport while covering various racing events across Europe. He vividly recalls his early days, where he traveled in a Volkswagen Type 2 van previously owned by Australians. This vehicle became a source of numerous adventures, including a memorable trip to Brno, where he arrived on race day morning after a marathon drive from Brussels.
Over the years, Constanduros transitioned from using his beloved camper van to more air travel as his family grew, especially after moving out of London in 1988. His wife, who initially joined him at races, eventually stepped away from the racing scene to focus on their children, allowing Constanduros to concentrate on his burgeoning Formula 1 career.
With a staggering count of over 700 Grand Prix events under his belt, Constanduros has encountered numerous memorable moments, both exhilarating and challenging. He reflects on Donington Park in 1993 as a standout experience, where he nearly bumped into Princess Diana and shared an unforgettable race with Ayrton Senna. "It was a remarkable weekend for various reasons; I nearly collided with Princess Diana!" he laughed. "And then there was the thrilling race with Senna winning in the rain."
Conversely, the tragic events of Imola in 1994 marked one of the darkest times in Constanduros’ career. He recalls the last interaction he had with Ayrton Senna, where the Brazilian, after a tragic qualifying accident that claimed Roland Ratzenberger’s life, was understandably reluctant to engage with the media. "He looked at me and said, ‘You don’t expect I’m going to give you an interview, do you?’ Those words will forever resonate with me," he shared somberly.
Among the drivers Constanduros formed close relationships with, Keke Rosberg stands out. Their friendship blossomed during Rosberg’s Formula Vee years, and Constanduros recounts a humorous incident of being "kidnapped" by Rosberg and fellow racers for a promotional event. "They thought it would be amusing to get me drunk and let me drive Danny Sullivan’s Alfa to pick up Gunnar Nilsson from the airport," he chuckled, recalling the camaraderie shared among racers during those times.
Known for his powerful voice and fervent passion for racing, Constanduros believes his role extends beyond mere commentary. "Many attendees at a Grand Prix might be experiencing it for the first time; it’s crucial to build up information gradually," he explained. Unlike television commentary, where viewers see only what is broadcasted, trackside commentary allows for a broader narrative, enabling him to discuss various battles occurring throughout the race.
As Constanduros enters his 70s, he reflects on the evolution of the sport and his career. "At my peak, I juggled numerous roles during a Grand Prix, from commentary to writing and engaging with sponsors," he noted. However, as the media landscape has changed, he acknowledges the reduced demand for such diverse responsibilities. His recent work included hosting press conferences and transcribing interviews for the FIA, a role he held for over three decades.
Despite the changes, Constanduros remains as passionate about motorsport as ever. He recalls the excitement of recent races, feeling the same thrill he did when he first entered the world of Formula 1. "I may not look young, but I still feel it when I’m at the track," he said with a smile. His commitment to the sport and his role in it is unwavering, as he continues to share his enthusiasm with fans worldwide, ensuring that the tradition of celebrating victories with champagne remains alive and well in Formula 1.
