On Sunday’s podium we assisted to a very curious situation regarding Formula 1 trophies: while everybody was spraying Ferrari Trento to one another, Lando Norris deftly manoeuvred with his iconic champagne pop, accidentally shattering the trophy of the Hungarian Gran Prix winner, Max Verstappen. Videos of this unusual scene went viral all over the internet but there was someone not very much amused by this.
But how much would it be worth in its current state? And what would have been the consequences if one of the prizes, with collaborations with luxury brands like Tiffany and Louis Vuitton, had been broken? Let’s discover together the Formula 1 trophies that have undoubtedly held the most value these years.
#NorrisGate: What happens if someone breaks a trophy
Usually, trophies are not kept by the drivers due to clauses in their contracts that require them to leave the trophies on display at their team’s headquarters. This is in contrast to the winner’s trophy of the Formula 1 World Championship, which is awarded only at the F1 Award Prizes ceremony but must be returned at the end of the presentation.
The HungarianGP trophies in particular are made by Herendy Porcelanmafakura ZRT. They are handmade and the production time is around six months each and the cost is about five figures: 40K dollars.
People who talked to Herendi’s CEO Attila Simon before the weekend started said they would be prepared to respond promptly.
So we assume there will be consequences for this uncontrolled behaviour of the British driver.
For the moment, Lando has apologized to both the production company and Red Bull, but the attention is now entirely focused on the rather unique trophy that Red Bull displayed at the end of the race.
And the production company has promised Max Verstappen a duplicate of the new trophy.
Tiffany & Co. X Miami Grand Prix
Tiffany & Co. crafted sleek sterling silver trophies for the winners of the Miami Grand Prix. These trophies took around 65 hours of work each to complete, using time-honored techniques from silversmithing to polishing. The first-place trophy, awarded to Max Verstappen, stands out with its modern design, weighing 11.5 pounds and towering nearly two feet tall. The details of the race are hand-engraved on the center.
Tiffany has a rich history of creating prestigious sports trophies, and these F1 trophies join their impressive portfolio, which includes designing trophies for events like the Super Bowl and the US Open.
Having a long history of crafting prestigious trophies, including the famous Woodlawn Vase, Tiffany continues to create around 65 trophies annually. They have even added some fun elements to their designs, like the “Ultimate Participation Award” released in collaboration with MSCHF, a tongue-in-cheek prize that gained popularity among collectors. However, Verstappen’s trophy holds true value, as he fought fiercely for it on the racetrack.
Louis Vuitton x Monaco GP
When luxury and high performance combine, the Louis Vuitton’s Velocity Marvel idea has been developed. It is a custom-made trunk designed for the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco Trophy presentation. Crafted by Louis Vuitton’s skilled artisans, the trunk showcases exceptional craftsmanship and pays homage to the race’s rich heritage. It elevates the trophy to a work of art, symbolizing the pursuit of excellence and victory.
Featuring the iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas, the trunk represents the fusion of luxury and Formula 1, capturing the essence of victory and the art of craftsmanship. The Louis Vuitton Velocity Marvel was a testament to the exclusivity that already existed in the principality. In the world of high-speed racing, precision, skill, and elegance come together to create moments of sheer victory. Such was the case at the 80th Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco, where Max Verstappen claimed the coveted trophy.
A mention to Imola’s 2023 trophy
Embodied with pure 18kt Gold for the Qatar Airways logo, special Italian wood, and handcrafted plaques add extra value and significance to these unique trophies. Stefano Zuech, one of the trophy designers, explained that each trophy represents the shape of Imola and is engraved with the names of drivers who have achieved positions in Formula 1 history at Imola. The trophies serve as a Hall of Fame, honoring the champions of the past 50 years.
By incorporating the names of past champions, the trophies create a connection between current and historical drivers, making them truly special pieces.
The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix trophies, originally intended for the race that was canceled due to severe flooding, are now being auctioned by F1 Authentics in partnership with the Automobile Club d’Italia and Formula Imola. The proceeds from the auction will go towards the Emilia-Romagna Region’s Agency for Territorial Safety and Civil Protection to aid those affected by the disaster. Bidders have the opportunity to contribute to a noble cause while owning a piece of Formula 1 history.
