Emerson Fittipaldi is the driver famously known for not drinking milk at the Indy 500 after his victory in 1993.
The Unconventional Celebration of 1993
The tradition of the Indy 500 winner drinking milk in Victory Lane is a deeply ingrained and iconic part of the race's history, dating back decades. This beloved custom, however, saw a significant deviation in 1993.
| Driver | Year of Win | Traditional Drink | Chosen Drink | Reason for Deviation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerson Fittipaldi | 1993 | Milk | Orange Juice | Promoting the Brazilian citrus drink industry, in which he held a financial stake. |
After securing his second triumph at the Indianapolis 500, Brazilian racing legend Emerson Fittipaldi made a memorable choice that diverged from the established practice. When presented with the customary bottle of milk, he politely declined. Instead, Fittipaldi opted to drink orange juice, explaining his decision as a promotional effort for the Brazilian citrus industry, an enterprise where he had personal interests.
This unique moment became a talking point, temporarily altering a long-standing post-race ritual. Despite this solitary exception, the act of drinking milk remains a cherished and expected part of the Indy 500 winner's celebration, reinforcing its status as a quintessential element of American motorsports history.
