Moët & Chandon is bringing a taste of the Formula 1 podium to New Zealand, hosting the country’s first Official Viewing Party to coincide with the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026.
While the race unfolds across the Tasman in Melbourne, you can gather in Auckland at The Wine Room by David Nash for a viewing experience designed to capture the excitement, ritual and celebration of a Formula 1 podium moment.
The evening will feature Moët & Chandon Jeroboams, curated hospitality and a live screening of the race, creating a race-night atmosphere where Kiwi fans and partners can experience the thrill of victory in true podium style.
A legacy of celebration
Moët & Chandon’s relationship with Formula 1 stretches back to 1950 at the Reims Grand Prix, when Frédéric Chandon de Briailles spontaneously offered a bottle of champagne to the race winner. That moment sparked what would become one of the most iconic traditions in motorsport: the celebratory Jeroboam.
Today, within the historic Moët & Chandon cellars in Épernay, a rare reserve of Jeroboams is carefully held for Formula 1. Each bottle eventually finds its way to the Grand Prix circuit, where winners sign the bottles before sharing them with their teams on the podium in an explosion of celebration. Over time, these bottles have become part of the sport’s living history, carrying the signatures and stories of generations of champions.
Beyond the spectacle of the champagne spray, the partnership between Moët & Chandon and Formula 1 is rooted in shared values. Both worlds rely on precision, craftsmanship and human expertise. The skill and focus of a driver mirror the care of champagne-making, while the teamwork of pit crews reflects the dedication of cellar masters.
“As we enter our second season with Formula 1, our partnership moves beyond a return to become a lasting presence. United by the same pursuit of precision and excellence. Moët & Chandon and Formula 1 celebrate the craftsmanship, teamwork and passion that define both our worlds. Together, we continue to elevate the podium into a moment of shared victory, honoring the collective spirit behind every achievement,” says Sibylle Scherer, President & CEO of Moët & Chandon.
The Formula 1 celebration journey
In 2026, Moët & Chandon continues to play a role throughout the post-race ritual. The celebration begins in Parc Fermé, where the spotlight turns to the teams whose behind-the-scenes work drives performance on track.
From there, the winning driver signs the Celebratory Jeroboam before heading into the Cooldown Room to relive the race alongside fellow drivers. The Corridor then becomes the final pathway to the podium, a moment filled with anticipation as champions prepare for the sport’s most recognisable celebration.
Finally comes the podium itself. With the roar of the crowd and the energy at its peak, Moët & Chandon Jeroboams are raised and the champagne celebration begins, marking another shared moment of victory in Formula 1 history.
Bringing the podium closer to home
The Auckland event marks the first New Zealand edition of Moët & Chandon’s global Official Viewing Party series, extending the energy of the podium beyond the race circuit and into cities around the world.
Timed with one of the most watched races of the season, the event offers Kiwi fans a way to connect with the spectacle unfolding across the Tasman.
“Through experiences like this, Moët & Chandon brings the emotion of Formula 1 to communities around the world,” says Lisa Mackenzie, General Manager New Zealand. “From the podium to Auckland, every victory becomes a shared moment of joy, crafted for fans to experience together.”
A Formula 1 inspired champagne experience
To mark the occasion, The Wine Room by David Nash is also offering The Podium, a Moët & Chandon champagne flight inspired by the precision, theatre and exhilaration of Formula 1!
Available from Monday 9 March, the curated tasting experience pairs three exceptional cuvées with canapé bites by Chef Ryan Moore.
The flight ($99 per guest) includes:
Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut NV
Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé 2016
Moët & Chandon Collection Impériale Création No. 1
The experience is available to book seven days a week until the end of March.