Austin podium drama: Pirelli drops controversial trophy
Pirelli's innovative "Heroo" trophies for the US Grand Prix were dramatically withdrawn before the podium ceremony due to design similarity concerns, forcing organizers to arrange last-minute replacements for the winners.
Last-minute replacement trophies rushed in after potential copyright concerns emerge over innovative carbon fiber creations
A highly anticipated trophy presentation at the United States Grand Prix took an unexpected turn when Pirelli's specially designed "Heroo" trophies were abruptly withdrawn moments before the podium ceremony, forcing a scramble for replacement awards.
The Trophy controversy
The original designs, crafted by Italian artist Matteo Macchiavelli, featured distinctive black carbon fiber bodies with articulating arms and position-specific chromed heads.
The first-place trophy was particularly notable for its gold-dusted finish, while second and third places were to receive silver and titanium variants respectively.
Pirelli confirmed to Motorsport.com that the decision to withdraw the trophies was made jointly with race promoters after potential design similarities with existing products came to light.
The trophies' resemblance to Bearbrick sculptures and collectibles prompted the last-minute change to avoid any copyright complications.
Emergency solutions
The podium ceremony proceeded with hastily arranged alternatives, as Pirelli scrambled to fly in replacement trophies from one of their U.S. offices.
Second-place finisher Carlos Sainz and third-place Max Verstappen were presented with miniature tire trophies, similar to those awarded after Saturday's qualifying session, while winner Charles Leclerc received a tall, metallic tube-shaped award.
Marketing misfire
The withdrawal proved particularly awkward given Pirelli's extensive pre-race marketing campaign.
The company had prominently displayed the original trophies on the grid, complete with their own paddock pass credentials, and had even announced plans for public sale of collectible "art toys" – a initiative that may have contributed to the eventual complications.
In the aftermath of the event, Pirelli has taken steps to distance itself from the original designs, including removing the initial trophy announcement from its press site.
The incident marks an unusual mishap in F1's typically carefully orchestrated podium ceremonies.
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