Over the years, we have seen Red Bull win the Monaco GP on many occasions. Their success also led to them coming up with a ritual, with which they celebrate their outings in the Principality. After every win or milestone, the entire team, led by the main man jumps into a swimming pool which is a part of their motorhome in the paddock. That swimming pool, however, won’t have any water in 2023.
One of the most iconic moments in the pool belongs to none other than Daniel Ricciardo. After his day of redemption in 2018, a victorious Ricciardo jumped into the pool, with his arms outstretched, which gave photographers one of the best shots of the season. It also became famous because of the moment’s inclusion in Netflix’s Drive to Survive.
On this day, in 2018, redemption for Daniel Ricciardo at the Monaco Grand Prix 👐 #F1 pic.twitter.com/1YwKVL1Crt
— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) May 27, 2021
However, Red Bull has had a long history with that particular part of the paddock. In 2006, team principal Christian Horner was so jubilant after their first podium finish that he jumped into the water, butt-naked with nothing but a Superman cape tied around his neck.
These iconic moments, however, won’t be recreated if Red Bull manages to emerge victorious at the 2023 Monaco GP.
Why is the swimming pool removed from the Monaco GP paddock?
News about the Red Bull swimming pool not having any water in 2023 first broke out on Thursday, one day before practice kicks off in Monte Carlo. As per RBR News on Twitter, the entire South of France is suffering from a horrible drought.
This shortage of water has led to local authorities not allowing any wastage of water whatsoever, which is why the pool is set to be dry. Fans were disappointed to see this, however, as they were hoping to witness some more memorable moments after a hugely anticipated Red Bull win.
🚨| 🇲🇨The famous pool is without water and filled with white balls this year!
In response to a drought affecting the water supply in south of France and Monaco, Monaco initiated a drought “alert” since May 13th, which prohibits filling bodies of water, including swimming pools. pic.twitter.com/8Kugl6vwaf
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) May 25, 2023
For drivers and team principals jumping into the water to Sky Sports journalists being pushed in, this swimming pool has seen it all.
Red Bull comes up with an alternative to celebrate
Since no water is allowed in the swimming pools for the upcoming weekend, Red Bull turned up the creativity by filling the empty pool with white balls instead. This has turned the empty body into a giant ball pit. This has given fans something new to be excited for.
Red Bull weren’t allowed to put water into their pool this year so they had to add white balls
I don’t know whether I should laugh or cry pic.twitter.com/dhtrJuq3I6
— Matt³³⁺¹⁶ | 🇲🇨MONACO🇲🇨 (@FM1_3316) May 25, 2023
However, there are some people who feel that Red Bull has already given up before the race started. Straight line speed has been the team’s main advantage this year, and that is something they can’t utilize properly in Monaco.
An account on Twitter wrote, “Early indication that RB not winning this year’s Monaco gp. It’s either LEC or ALO confirm.”
Early indication that RB not winning this year’s Monaco gp, it’s either LEC or ALO confirm
— Need for Speed | AMR23 🏎️ (@Jaags3636) May 25, 2023
Even though the Red Bull swimming pool won’t feature at the Monaco GP this year, fans are hoping for an exciting race. That, however, may be difficult because of the lack of racing and overtaking opportunities the narrow streets of the circuit provide drivers with.
