Pirelli avoids legal issue and changes trophies at the last minute in F1 Austin GP. Why Pirelli decided to withdraw the trophies for the USA GP weekend.

After several days of waiting, the much-discussed HEROO trophy, created by Pirelli in collaboration with Italian designer Matteo Machiavelli, was not seen on the podium in Austin. Charles Leclerc received what appeared to be a large metal tube, while Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen, who finished in second and third places respectively, were given a small wheel similar to those awarded to the pole position winner on Saturday afternoon.

As reported by motorsport.com, a spokesperson for Pirelli revealed that the company, in collaboration with the race organizer and after informing the FIA, decided to withdraw the trophies for this weekend after being made aware of potential similarities with other designs. Specifically, the trophies closely resembled sculptures and collectible items created by the Bearbrick brand.

To avoid intellectual conflicts in the hours leading up to the 2024 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, these three items were retrieved directly from the company’s American offices.

Since these statuettes could closely resemble those of other brands, Pirelli, which had initially announced that limited edition copies would later be put up for sale, took care to remove the link from its website and cancel everything.