The world of Formula 1 isn’t just about speed and precision; sometimes, it’s about the unexpected. Just take the San Marino Grand Prix, which, until 1994, awarded a trophy that was as much a piece of art as a prize. It featured a gold figure holding a spear atop a base listing all past winners. Nigel Mansell even sold his 1992 winner’s trophy for a whopping £28,800 in 2023.
In 1989, Nigel Mansell had a memorable moment but for an entirely different reason. After winning the Brazilian Grand Prix, he cut his finger on the sharp edges of the trophy while lifting it. His sudden surprise and the need for first aid right on the podium made the event quite unforgettable.
The 1989 Mexican Grand Prix saw Ayrton Senna winning a copper jug instead of a classic trophy. This jug resembled an old spittoon and had ‘Grand Premio de Mexico 1er Lugar Piloto’ inscribed on it. However, McLaren, known for keeping all their drivers’ trophies, held onto it, so Senna had a replica made – a rare piece seen outside McLaren’s collection.
Jerez, which hosted the Spanish Grand Prix from 1986 to 1990, offered a trophy shaped like a sherry bottle, complete with a hat and miniature Spanish guitar, reflecting the city’s pride in its sherry production. Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Nigel Mansell all took home this unique piece of memorabilia during those years.
The 1993 European Grand Prix’s Sega trophy might just be the most iconic. Celebrating a classic race where Senna showcased his legendary wet-weather driving skills, this trophy featured a golden Sonic the Hedgehog atop the Sega logo. Despite Ron Dennis’s initial reservations, McLaren eventually displayed it at their Technology Centre.
Ayrton Senna’s final win at the Australian GP in 1993 had him lifting a Fosters-inspired trophy, shaped like a can of Fosters beer encased in a golden frame. This was the last time such a trophy was awarded, marking the end of Fosters’ sponsorship.
Fast forward to 2014, Lewis Hamilton’s win at the British Grand Prix was marked by a trophy shaped like the Santander logo, the event’s sponsor. Hamilton’s dismay at not receiving the traditional Royal Automobile Club trophy was evident as he muttered, ‘Where’s the gold trophy?’ This sparked a conversation about the historical significance of F1’s trophies.
The French Grand Prix at Circuit Paul Ricard from 2018 to 2022 presented a King Kong-themed trophy. Designed by French artist Richard Orlinski, it featured a fierce King Kong holding a Pirelli tire. The colors varied each year, making it a vibrant addition to any F1 collection.
In 2023, Max Verstappen was awarded a kiss-activated trophy at the Japanese and United States Grands Prix. Designed by Pininfarina, these trophies lit up with the winner’s national flag when kissed – an innovative step in merging technology with tradition.
Looking ahead, the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix will make history with an AI-designed trophy. Created with the help of Amazon Web Services and a UK-based silversmith, this futuristic design has a base that supports curved silver sides with pointy edges, holding a golden, egg-shaped object in the center.
From sharp edges and sherry bottles to Sonic the Hedgehog and kiss-activated tech, the world of F1 trophies is as varied as it is fascinating. Each one tells a unique story, adding another layer of intrigue to the high-octane world of Formula 1.
Source: Motorsport
