While F1 trophies must stick to some rules – for example, showing the F1 logo, official name of the competition and finishing position, as well as stipulations regarding height and weight – there’s a lot of freedom offered to the designers.
This has led to some unique designs in recent years; however, those rules haven’t always applied – meaning that in the past some grands prix have gotten really creative with its trophy design. Here are 10 of the most peculiar in F1 history.
San Marino Grand Prix – Golden trophy
Nelson Piquet, 1st position, celebrates his first victory for McLaren on the podium. Alain Prost, 2nd position, and Nelson Piquet, 3rd position, are alongside.
Photo by: Motorsport Images
The San Marino Grand Prix used to award one of the most peculiar looking trophies to its winner. Decked in gold, the trophy stood on a base that listed all of the San Marino GP victors while the logo of the Automobile Club Bologna – a city nearby to Imola circuit – was placed just above it. The most distinctive feature though was the figure holding a spear that was placed at the top.
This design was used until the fateful 1994 San Marino GP, as a black and silver bowl design became the winner’s trophy from 1995 onwards. One recipient of the gold trophy was Nigel Mansell, who won the 1992 San Marino GP and sold it for £28,800 in an auction in 2023.
1989 Brazilian Grand Prix – Nigel Mansell cuts his finger on trophy
Nigel Mansell requiring attention having cut his hand on the winner’s trophy.
Photo by: Motorsport Images
The trophies given after the Brazilian GP during the 1980s were quite the design, as they featured a black base with six pillars on top providing the framework for a cup which had golden wings. But the story behind it makes the trophy even more wacky.
As Mansell was set to lift the winner’s trophy after claiming victory on his Ferrari debut in 1989, he cut a finger as he placed it on one of the sharp pillars. From observing his reaction, it’s clear that it was sudden pain so Mansell stumbled off the top step to walk to officials on the side of the podium, who then checked the cut.
1989 Mexican Grand Prix – Copper Jug
Winner Ayrton Senna (BRA) McLaren MP4/5 on the podium receives his Trophy Mexican GP
Photo by: Sutton Images
Some very distinctive trophy designs came from the 1989 season, and that year’s Mexican GP was no different. Ayrton Senna dominated from pole to win by 15.6…
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