Meet the Legendary Voice of F1: Bob Constanduros

The Tradition of Champagne in F1

Champagne spraying has been a delightful part of Formula 1 celebrations since the 1950 French Grand Prix, marking a beloved tradition. This practice gained a distinctive touch from circuit speaker Bob Constanduros, known for his iconic call of ‘Champaaaaaagne’, signaling drivers to soak one another while dignitaries make a hasty retreat.

A New Era with Moët

After four years of using Ferrari Trento, an Italian sparkling wine that cannot be labeled as champagne, F1 is thrilled to welcome Moet’s champagne back thanks to a new partnership with LVMH. Constanduros expressed his enthusiasm, noting, “I’m delighted to have actual champagne again,” while reminiscing about his inspiration from Spanish football commentators in the 90s. He reflected, “The longest I ever stretched a champagne call was 28 seconds, but my lung capacity isn’t what it used to be.”

Constanduros’ Journey in F1

Constanduros began his career as a circuit announcer in 1985, largely due to Bernard Ecclestone’s influence. He shared, “I was filling in for my uncle at Le Mans when I got noticed.” Initially, he competed with fellow commentator Anthony Marsh, but after a few races, he took over full-time. Constanduros worked tirelessly through 2018 before heart surgery paused his career, but he continued to commentate on about 10 out of 24 races a year from Biggin Hill.

From Freelance to F1 Icon

Before joining F1, Constanduros was a freelancer for Autosport, driving across Europe to cover various racing events. He humorously recounted his experiences, including a misadventure involving his unreliable Volkswagen Type 2 van and a race day drive from Brussels to Brno. Over the years, his life transformed as he started to fly more, especially after starting a family.

A Wealth of Experience

With over 700 Grands Prix under his belt, Constanduros has seen many ups and downs in the sport. He recalled moments like Donington Park 1993, nearly colliding with Princess Diana and almost misnaming King Hussein of Jordan. However, the 1994 Imola race remains etched in his memory, as it marked the last encounter he had with Ayrton Senna, who, tragically, passed away shortly after.

Passion for Commentary

Known for his dynamic voice and vibrant passion, Constanduros aims to enhance the audience’s experience. He explained, “Many viewers are new to F1, so it’s essential to build information gradually.” Unlike television commentary which focuses solely on visuals, he highlights various battles happening on the track, sharing the excitement of each moment.

The Future and Lasting Passion

Now in his 70s, Constanduros remains deeply passionate about F1, even as he scales back his workload. Reflecting on his career, he noted, “Despite changes in media, I still get excited about motorsport.” Although he acknowledges the need to step back at times, his enthusiasm for every Grand Prix continues to shine.