Historical significance of F1 trophies
Since the early days of Formula 1, trophies have symbolized victory. The first official F1 trophy was awarded in 1950 at the British Grand Prix to Giuseppe Farina. Since then, trophies have continuously evolved, adopting increasingly elaborate shapes and designs.
Who decides the trophy design?
For every new trophy, the first decision is about who will define its appearance. This responsibility may fall to the main sponsor, the sports federation, or the circuit itself. Once the designer is chosen, Formula 1 guidelines come into play, setting strict limits on dimensions, weight, and mandatory features.
Ken Ozawa, creative director for the Las Vegas GP, explained, “There is a size range to respect, and a weight limit ensures that exhausted drivers can lift the trophy without difficulty.”
Balancing tradition and modernity
Some tracks choose to reference their heritage, such as Zandvoort, which uses a design inspired by 1939. Others, like Melbourne or Silverstone, maintain traditional historic trophies that are reproduced year after year. According to Ozawa, “Formula 1 encourages designers to create trophies that reflect the culture and spirit of the host city. Having grown up in Las Vegas, I enjoyed drawing inspiration from my personal experiences to shape the trophy’s appearance.”
He added, “The chrome linear shapes and lights on the top of the trophy aim to convey what I imagine a Formula 1 driver sees while racing down a straight at 300 km/h.”
The making of the trophy: a months-long process
Once the design is approved, production begins. The trophy base is first 3D-printed, then cast in bronze and treated to achieve a stone-like texture. The main body includes 3D-printed resin parts that are subsequently chrome-plated. Finally, each trophy is stored in a custom case made of aerospace-grade aluminum, protecting it until the award ceremony. For its first three editions, the Las Vegas GP has kept the same design. According to Ozawa, it’s not yet time to replace it.
He noted, “In my opinion, a successful design should be maintained for several years, allowing the trophy to become a visual icon of the race.”
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