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Romain Grosjean will reject 90-year tradition if he wins the 2026 Indy 500
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- Romain Grosjean will reject 90-year tradition if he wins the 2026 Indy 500
Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Romain Grosjean says he would choose chocolate milk over the traditional options if he wins the 2026 Indianapolis 500, a decision that would break with nearly a century of Indy 500 history.
The former Formula 1 driver made his preference known ahead of the race, standing apart from most of the grid who traditionally stick to whole milk, 2% milk or skimmed milk in Victory Lane.
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The milk tradition at the Indianapolis 500 dates back to 1936, when three-time winner Louis Meyer famously drank buttermilk after his victory.
Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Romain Grosjean made a unique milk choice before the Indy 500
Romain Grosjean confirmed his preference for chocolate milk ahead of the 2026 Indianapolis 500.
Drivers are required to select their preferred milk option before the event so organisers can prepare personalised bottles in advance for the winner's Victory Lane celebration.
While most drivers stick to the traditional choices, Grosjean's selection continues the trend of international drivers embracing Indianapolis traditions while still adding their own personal touch after moving into IndyCar.
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The milk ceremony remains one of the most recognisable celebrations in motorsport, with winners handed a chilled bottle immediately after climbing from their cars.
The Indy 500 milk tradition has become fiercely protected by fans
Since Meyer unintentionally created the tradition nearly 90 years ago, the milk celebration has become one of the most iconic rituals in global motorsport.
Fans have historically reacted strongly whenever drivers moved away from the tradition itself. Emerson Fittipaldi famously received backlash after drinking orange juice instead of milk following his 1993 Indianapolis 500 victory.
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Unlike Fittipaldi, Grosjean would still technically honour the tradition by drinking milk if he wins the race, although his chocolate variation would certainly stand out as one of the more unusual Victory Lane moments in recent Indianapolis history.
Grosjean remains one of the highest-profile former Formula 1 drivers currently competing in IndyCar, with the Frenchman continuing to build strong support among American racing fans since leaving Formula 1.
If Grosjean reaches Victory Lane at Indianapolis, his celebration may become one of the most memorable moments of the entire race weekend.
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