Maps Maponyane experiences the magic of the spa as Moët & Chandon celebrates its Formula One legacy at the Belgian Grand Prix 2025

Moët & Chandon, as the Official Champagne of Formula 1, joins the iconic podium ceremony at the FORMULA 1 MOËT & CHANDON BELGIAN GRAND PRIX 2025, as part of a prestigious 10-year partnership and congratulates Oscar Piastri and McLaren, who claimed victory in this race on Sunday, July 27^th.

INVITED BY MOËT & CHANDON TO EXPERIENCE ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC CIRCUITS IN MOTORSPORT, MEDIA PERSONALITY, MAPS MAPONYANE SHARES HIS BEHIND-THE-SCENES PERSPECTIVE ON THE PODIUM RITUALS, PRECISION, AND PURE EMOTION OF SPA.

Joining the Maison for this momentous occasion was South African television presenter, entrepreneur and long-time Friend of the House, Maps Maponyane. An F1 fan since childhood and a familiar face at global cultural events, Maponyane was invited to experience the Belgian Grand Prix weekend with Moët & Chandon from a uniquely privileged vantage point – perched directly above the pit lane in the Moët & Chandon suite at Spa.

Reflecting on the experience, Maponyane shared: “It was absolutely magical. Such a brilliantly executed event, full of elegance and attention to detail from the Moët & Chandon team. Watching the teams in action, seeing the practice pit stops, cars coming in and out of the garages, all from that close, almost bird’s-eye view. It was incredible. As an F1 fan, it truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

A SPECIAL BOND WITH SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS

The FORMULA 1 MOËT & CHANDON BELGIAN GRAND PRIX 2025 at Spa-Francorchamps is more than just a race. It’s where history, tradition, and the pursuit of excellence converge. Nestled in the Ardennes, Spa’s proximity to the Champagne region provides a natural homecoming for Moët & Chandon, the title sponsor of this legendary event. This circuit, famed for its challenging corners, unpredictable weather, and breathtaking vistas, holds a special place in the hearts of drivers and fans alike.

Maponyane was especially struck by the legendary character of Spa: “It’s iconic for a reason – it’s breathtaking. Seeing the circuit in person, how beautifully designed it is, how the forest seems to rise around it – it doesn’t feel man-made, it feels like nature birthed it. Eau Rouge especially… that steep incline takes your breath away. I completely understand why fans go to such lengths to be here.”

Spa-Francorchamps has been an integral part of Formula 1 since the inaugural FIA World Championship™ in 1950. The echoes of legendary moments resonate here, none more so than Juan Manuel Fangio’s victory on June 18th of that year. Soon after, Fangio triumphed at the French Grand Prix in Champagne, where Paul Chandon-Moët and Count Frederic Chandon de Briailles witnessed the race firsthand. Their subsequent invitation to Fangio for a private toast at Château de Saran symbolises the enduring bond between Moët & Chandon and the thrill of motorsport.

As the Title Sponsor, Moët & Chandon has been honoured to elevate the FORMULA 1 MOËT & CHANDON BELGIAN GRAND PRIX 2025, a race steeped in heritage since 1925. We raised a glass to the spirit of competition, the unforgettable moments created on the track, and the shared triumphs that define our partnership with Formula 1. Our commitment to this iconic event is a testament to the enduring values we share with the sport: a passion for excellence, a dedication to pushing boundaries, and the unwavering belief that victory is better when shared.

Sibylle Scherer, Presidente & CEO of Moët & Chandon says: “There has always been a strong connection between Moët & Chandon and Formula 1. We share many common values: tradition, a passion for excellence, precision, the pursuit of peak performance, and above all the joy of collective victories. Being the title sponsor of the Belgian Grand Prix 2025 embodies these values, and it is with a great honour for the Maison.”

Maponyane echoed this sentiment, noting the deep sense of legacy felt throughout the weekend: “You saw Moët & Chandon’s full history in Formula 1 laid out, from the ’70s to the ’90s and now today. They’ve always been part of those iconic podium moments. It’s not just a sponsorship – it’s a legacy. That iconic champagne spray? Moët started that tradition.”

THE ULTIMATE CELEBRATION EXPERIENCE

It all begins in “Parc Fermé after the race, bringing into the spotlight the teams who tirelessly work behind the scenes and push the limits of performance. Victory is never achieved alone. Here, celebration transforms into a collective experience, uniting the team in a powerful moment of togetherness. Moët & Chandon enhances this precious moment, turning each victory into an unforgettable festivity filled with joy and triumph.

Then, as a tribute to their triumph, the winning driver signs the Jeroboam, before heading into the Cool Down Room, where the drivers will watch the highlights of the FORMULA 1 MOËT & CHANDON BELGIAN GRAND PRIX 2025, feeling the full impact of their triumph.

The corridor serves as the pathway that guides champions toward the Podium, where collective emotion is shared. As they walk through this passage, every step is imbued with mounting anticipation and pride. These walls have seen the icons of the past pass by, creating an atmosphere charged with suspense and excitement. It is within this walk of fame that the significance of their achievements truly starts to resonate, preparing them for the pinnacle of their journey. The anticipation builds to a crescendo, setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration of their triumphs.

And then, the ultimate moment, the pinnacle of emotion: the podium. The noise is deafening, the energy electrifying. This is the moment of pure communion. A celebration shared with the fans, the teams, and the entire sport. It is here that emotions overflow, where victory is no longer individual but shared in a collective moment. With excitement at its peak, the long­ awaited ritual begins.

Maponyane described it best: “Standing directly below the podium, the crowd is electric, the drivers are spraying champagne, and I’m catching actual sprays from the bottles. You don’t just watch the celebration, you feel it.”

To mark the occasion, Benoît Gouez, Cellar Master at Moët & Chandon, will present the trophy to the representative of the winning constructor team. In a final breathtaking explosion of joy, the legendary Jeroboams of Moët Imperial are sprayed, the three drivers and the winning constructor representative shower each other before turning to the roaring crowd. A celebration that unites us all.

THE CELEBRATORY JEROBOAM

As Formula 1 celebrates its 75^th anniversary, Moët & Chandon celebrates victories with the Celebratory Jeroboam, seamlessly connecting the past with the present.

This modern iteration of the original bottle design features two bold ‘MOËT’ signatures above and below the label, as well as along the sides, creating a visual identity that resonates deeply with both racing insiders and fans.

This Jeroboam pays tribute to the rich heritage of the Maison, inscribing each celebration in the annals of the sport. This is not merely a nod to our history; it is a sincere homage to the spirit of collective celebration that characterises Formula 1. Every drop of champagne and every signature on the bottle embody the shared joy that Moët & Chandon brings to the podium. It’s the ultimate communion with fans, teams, and loved ones, where our contribution shines through the unity of the three drivers on a single podium, united to experience deep and shared emotions. This moment is a heartfelt celebration of collective joy, a testament to the bond that unites everyone in the passion of the sport.

“Sipping a beautiful glass of Moët & Chandon in the suite, taking in the race with all the sensory detail – the roar of the cars, the energy of the people, the smell of the track – it all came together so seamlessly,” said Maponyane. “It was a full-circle moment, having been part of the Moët & Chandon family for close to nine years now. This was one of those rare moments that just stays with you.”

As we honour the legends of the past and celebrate the champions of today, the Moët & Chandon Celebratory Jeroboam stands as a symbol of the enduring legacy and emotional connection that victory brings.

Moët & Chandon is back where it belongs – in the heart of Formula 1.