f1 donuts
FIA regulation permits victory celebrations performed by the winning driver as long as it does not endanger fans or officials, and does not delay the podium ceremony. In fact, drivers can even stop on the track and pick up flags like in the old days. Jumeirah / YouTube

Formula 1 governing body FIA has finally let its aristocratic hair down and announced the permission for winning drivers to pull delicious victory donuts following a race. Say what you will about the controversial Sebastian Vettel, but the latest rule change has him to thank.

26-year-old Sebastian Vettel became a four-time consecutive Formula 1 champion after he won the Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit in 2013. What better way to celebrate the occasion than with a dozen or so donuts? However, the FIA were not impressed and slapped Vettel with a $35,000 fine. Without a care, Sebastian Vettel was joined by teammate Mark Webber after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to perform tandem donuts after the team won with a commanding 1-2 finish.

Now, the new FIA regulation permits victory celebrations performed by the drivers. The rules are relatively loose and very encouraging: the winning driver can perform an in-car celebration just as long as it does not endanger fans or officials, and does not delay the podium ceremony. In fact, drivers can even stop on the track and pick up flags.

Motorsport is an extremely special combination of the human endeavor, cutting edge technology, and deep heritage. A great amount of preparation is necessary to get an F1 car on the grid and a great amount of luck is necessary for a team to cross the finish line in first place. Victories were always hard earned. In the past, viciously fought battles resulting in victory were celebrated with an expressive celebration around the circuit.

Here are our five favorite victory celebrations from the past: