Can you tell us about how you met?
“I met Frédéric Chandon through Formula One before Moët & Chandon were involved in the sport.”

How did your friendship grow?
“Our friendship, from the very beginning was, for me, a new way of living. Frédéric was colourful, glamorous and exciting and with extraordinarily impeccable manners, which were very attractive.”

What was Frédéric’s interest in motor racing?
“Frédéric was a keen driver. He saw the colour, excitement and technology within a sport which, at that time, hadn’t fully developed commercially.”

What is the story behind the now iconic ritual of spraying champagne from the podium?
“The Grand Prix in France, Clermont Ferrand, was a very exciting and demanding racetrack that was run on private roads. I won that Grand Prix and when I was on the podium with the-then French Prime Minister, presenting the trophy to me, in amongst a huge collection of people, the Prime Minister in fact spotted Fred with a double magnum of Moët & Chandon. The Prime Minister immediately wanted to have it brought up to the podium for us to celebrate my victory even more colourfully, by drinking it. This moment was when the tradition of celebrating with a bottle of champagne began in Formula One and many other sports, and still exists today. Because I was the winner, Fred wanted to spend more time with me and from that day on, we formed a friendship that was for me, enormously important.”

Can you remember the most memorable bottle of champagne you ever sprayed, or drank?
“Winning in Monte Carlo in the company of Princess Grace and His Serene Highness, was I think, was the greatest moment in my career. It was so colourful, glamorous and exciting and for whatever reason, Prince Rainier took a great interest in my career. Princess Grace was probably the most glamourous podium presenter in the world. From that moment another very precious friendship was created.”

Was there anyone you always looked for when you stepped off the podium?
“I would always look for Helen, at that time Helen was my timekeeper and lap charter. Incredibly bright and I couldn't have done it without her. Unfortunately now, Helen has dementia which is very difficult for our family to deal with the change but she was there for me throughout my career and now I am there for Helen.”

Johnny Herbert's victory for Stewart Grand Prix meant you experienced the podium as a team owner rather than a driver. Did you get sprayed, and how did that feeling compare with winning behind the wheel?
“Obviously as a Grand Prix driver, winning following the introduction by Fred Chandon, played a large part at every Grand Prix that I won. However, winning as an owner, along with my son Paul, was a fantastic experience and particularly because it was the German Grand Prix and I had won there more than once as a driver and as a World Champion. It was a remarkable experience and probably quite unique.”

One of your greatest legacies has been the improvements in Formula 1 safety, saving countless lives over the years. We all raise a glass of Champagne to you for this. What Champagne would you choose, and who would you raise your glass to, and why?
“I would of course choose a Moët & Chandon, I have been a proud drinker of Moët & Chandon for over 50 years now and it is simply the best there is.”

The Collection of Comte Frédéric Chandon de Briailles (1927-2025)

Dreweatts is honoured to be offering the collection of the late Frédéric Chandon through a series of specialist sales, bringing together objects from his homes and personal life that offer an insight into his world. The collection encompasses various categories, including silver, wine, furniture, sculpture, works of art and luxury accessories. Together, they offer an insight into the life, family and interests of a man whose career helped transform Moët & Chandon and shape the development of the modern luxury industry.

Learn more about the collection

The full programme of auctions featuring pieces from the collection of the late Frédéric Chandon is:

• 22 September: Fine Silver & The Art of Dining | Browse the collection
• 30 September: Fine Wine, Champagne, Vintage Port & Spirits
• 27 & 28 October: Fine Furniture, Sculpture, Carpets, Ceramics & Works of Art
• 3 November: Old Master, British & European Art
• 5 November: Art & Interiors
• 19 November: Fine Watches & Luxury Accessories