FORMULA 1
Who makes the United States Grand Prix trophy and what is it made of?
Here is everything you need to know about the 2023 F1 United States Grand Prix trophy, which is activated with a kiss.
This week, Formula 1 is back in the United States for the U.S. Grand Prix from the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). This is the second stop of F1 in this country after the Miami Grand Prix, which was held in May, but it is not the last, with the highest category of motor sport returning to the USA in November for the Las Vegas GP.
Although Max Verstappen has already been crowned world champion and Red Bull Racing, constructors’ champion, the US Grand Prix will not be without drama, as Daniel Ricciardo returns and ‘Checo’ Pérez seeks to consolidate second place in the championship, as well as his future in the Austrian team.
Speaking of comebacks, the drivers are not the only ones back, as the famous kiss-activated trophy, introduced at the Japanese Grand Prix, will make a second appearance, on Sunday at the USGP podium.
Who makes the U.S. Grand Prix trophy?
The trophy for the United States Grand Prix has taken on various forms since the race moved to COTA in 2012. The trophies have been presented on the podium by different sponsors, and in 2023, the race’s main sponsor, Lenovo, is bringing back the world’s first trophy activated by a kiss.
On October 22, when the winner of the GP ascends to the podium, the trophy’s indicator lights will guide them to a special area that reads “kiss me.” After kissing the designated spot, the trophy will come to life, displaying the national flag colors of the winning driver.
“Using the latest touch-sensitive microswitch technology, the trophy will illuminate from its core, creating a unique spectacle,” explained Lenovo.
What is the F1 U.S. GP trophy made of?
The trophy was conceived by Lenovo and designed by the iconic design firm Pininfarina. According to Philip Marchington, Executive Creative Director of Corporate Marketing at Lenovo, “the trophy’s striking shape reflects the Formula 1 car’s air intake and features a parametric pattern that echoes the proportions of the Lenovo logo.”
Francisco Barboza Grasa, the Design Manager of Pininfarina of America, stated to RacingNews365 that the main body of the trophy is constructed from entirely recycled aluminum.