The 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix will feature a striking new trophy inspired by Formula 1’s legendary V10 engines, with Brazilian designers creating a titanium sculpture that combines motorsport history, engineering and advanced 3D-printing technology. The distinctive prize, which will be presented at Interlagos during the Grand Prix on 8 November, offers a very different interpretation of what a modern Formula 1 trophy can represent.
While the Italian Grand Prix at Monza featured a stack of cups and glasses, the Brazilian event has chosen an entirely different approach: a design inspired by the exhaust manifold of a V10 engine. Following the considerable criticism directed at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix trophy, nicknamed “FRAGILE” and quickly becoming a subject of mockery on social media, Brazil has opted to celebrate its motorsport heritage through a creation that brings together technology, engineering and tradition.
São Paulo GP trophy pays tribute to Formula 1’s legendary V10 engines
The new trophy for the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix was designed by Fábio Castellotti, Fernando Lambiasi and Gabriel Scholab, who drew inspiration from the exhaust manifolds of V10 engines. These power units defined one of the most fondly remembered periods in Formula 1 history, becoming closely associated with the distinctive sound and technical character of that era.
Made entirely from titanium, the trophy features five tubes intertwined through asymmetrical curves. The design incorporates references to several symbols of Brazilian motorsport, giving the sculpture a meaning that extends beyond its mechanical inspiration.
Among the shapes represented are the famous Senna S at Interlagos and the chequered flag traditionally associated with victory. These details connect the engineering-inspired design with the circuit’s identity and the wider traditions of Formula 1 racing in Brazil.
Interlagos trophy also represents the sound of V10 engines
The inspiration behind the trophy is not limited to the physical components of a Formula 1 engine. Its shape also pays tribute to the sound produced by the legendary V10 power units.
As Fábio Castellotti explained during the presentation, the sculpture’s flowing forms evoke the propagation of sound waves and even certain musical notes. The result is an attempt to represent the acoustic character of the V10 era through a physical object, bringing together elements of mechanical engineering and artistic expression.
The references to the Senna S and the chequered flag further emphasise the connection between the trophy and Interlagos, a venue whose Grand Prix history can also be explored through Formula 1 circuit records and historical statistics, including past winners, pole positions and Ferrari results.
3D-printed titanium trophy requires 90 hours of production
The manufacturing process is just as unusual as the design itself. Standing 55 centimetres tall and weighing 5.7 kilograms, the trophy is produced using selective laser melting, an advanced additive manufacturing technique that allows complex metal components to be created through 3D printing.
During production, titanium powder is progressively melted by a laser-based 3D printer, building the trophy’s final geometry layer by layer. This process makes it possible to reproduce the intricate curves and intertwined tubes that define the sculpture.
Manufacturing each trophy requires approximately 90 hours of uninterrupted printing, illustrating the technical complexity involved in creating the finished object.
São Paulo GP trophy costs more than €30,000 to manufacture
The production cost is approximately 200,000 Brazilian reais per trophy, equivalent to slightly more than €30,000. This represents a substantial investment in an object intended to reward sporting achievement while also communicating a broader message about Brazilian engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
Beyond its monetary value, the new São Paulo Grand Prix trophy is designed to showcase the technological expertise of Brazil’s industrial sector. Its combination of titanium construction, additive manufacturing and references to Formula 1’s V10 history gives the prize an identity closely connected to both motorsport and engineering innovation.
When Formula 1 returns to Interlagos on 8 November, the winning driver will receive a trophy that celebrates far more than the result of a single race. The new design pays tribute to the engineering, sounds and traditions that helped make the V10 era one of the most memorable chapters in Formula 1 history.
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