The most observant followers of Formula 1 would realize that something was missing on the Austin podium. And no, it wasn’t Lando Norris. It was about the official trophies that Formula 1 had presented for this United States Grand Prix, and that at the moment of truth they did not deliver on the podium.
Pirelli had been in charge of designing the trophies that would be awarded in Austin, but in the end there was no trace of them. The reason is that They realized they were plagiarism and they could be sued if they handed them over, so improvised trophies had to be invented for the three drivers on the podium.
Pirelli has tried to erase all traces of the trophies, but F1 could face a legal mess
Charles Leclerc won the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, but he did not take the prize he had been promised. In the week prior to the event, Formula 1 had presented a trophy design to say the least, but in the end Leclerc received a very conventional elongated glass.
The reason is that the original design for the Austin trophies appears to be plagiarized. Formula 1 commissioned Pirelli to make the awardswho in turn trusted the Italian designer Matteo Macchiavelli. The trophies, which were basically dolls with helmets and mouse ears on a Pirelli wheel, were presented, but not delivered.
It is suspected that the design was plagiarized, since Macchiavelli’s trophies were very similar to sculptures and objects from the Bearbrick brand. So Formula 1 was cured in health and to prevent possible lawsuits, removed these trophies from the podium ceremony and improvised new ones on the fly.
Thus, Leclerc, the winner of the race, was given an elongated cup. But Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen, second and third classified respectively, They only gave them a miniature Pirelli tirethe same prize given to the drivers who make the pole. What was at hand.
Pirelli has even deleted the links to its website where these trophies were presented, although, for now, they maintain them on some of their social networks. In any case, after a Grand Prix showing them around the paddock, there is enough graphic evidence of their existence, and now Formula 1 could face a serious legal problem.
A new trophy, a special edition podium cap and a partially resurfaced asphalt. The #USGP at @COTA is full of novelties. Discover them here: #F1 #Fit4F1 pic.twitter.com/ckNPUchIpw
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) October 14, 2024
And it is that innovation with Formula 1 decorations and trophies It seems that more than one is getting out of hand.
Source: www.motorpasion.com
