Champagne axed from podium ahead of new F1 season and replaced with Italian sparkling wine called FERRARI

FERRARI are guaranteed to be on the podium at EVERY F1 race this season.

But before you believe the Italian team have produced a rocket-ship of a car – think again.

F1 bosses have struck a deal with an Italian sparkling wine producer called Ferrari Trento to be the "official toast of Formula One celebrations".

It means Ferrari, rather than Champagne, will be served on the podium at the end of F1 races – even if Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz don't make the top three.

The F1 podium ceremony has traditionally used Champagne but it has not always used plonk from the French region.

After several decades of using Moet and Mumm champagne after races, sparkling wine producer Chandon was used on the podium from the start of 2016.

But during the 2017 season, F1 did a deal with champagne producer Carbon while non alcoholic rose water is served on podiums where booze is banned.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said he no problems seeing the sport was breaking from tradition.

Asked why the sport had decided on the switch, he said: "The answer is very simple: it is the quality of the product and the quality of the company. This is the reason why our relationship has developed."

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The start of the 2021 season is rapidly coming into view.

Yesterday, Mercedes unveiled their new car – the W12 – that they hope will propel Lewis Hamilton to a record breaking eighth world title.

The reigning champion spoke yesterday about his future, dropping a fresh hint that this season could be his last.

The British superstar says the most important factor in continuing behind the wheel beyond 2021 will be whether he is happy.

The first Grand Prix of the year is in Bahrain at the end of this month.

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