From kiss-activated to King Kong: Top 5 worst Formula 1 trophies ever

Formula 1 is known for its glamorous events, cutting-edge technology, and sometimes, bizarre trophy designs. Despite the FIA’s guidelines that trophies must be in the form of traditional cups, some of these awards have taken a strange and unconventional turn.

Here’s a countdown of the top five worst Formula 1 trophies, starting from the quirky to the downright infamous:

5. Kiss-Activated Trophies - 2023 Japanese and US Grands Prix

In 2023, Formula 1 experimented with innovation, but it didn’t quite land the way many fans and drivers expected. Enter the kiss-activated trophy, first seen at the Japanese Grand Prix. Designed by Pininfarina, the trophy lit up with the winner’s national flag when kissed.

Max Verstappen had the honor of being the first to trigger this unique feature when his trophy displayed the Dutch flag. The concept was repeated at the United States Grand Prix, where Verstappen won again, lighting up the trophy once more. While it aimed to incorporate smart technology into F1, the novelty quickly wore off, leaving many fans scratching their heads over its actual appeal.

4. King Kong Trophy - French Grand Prix

From 2018 to 2022, the French Grand Prix featured one of the most eccentric trophies in F1 history. The Circuit Paul Ricard awarded drivers a trophy that depicted an aggressive King Kong holding a Pirelli tyre. Designed by French artist Richard Orlinski, it mirrored his full-sized sculpture placed on the track. While the King Kong design aimed to capture a fierce and competitive spirit, it mostly left fans wondering why the French GP chose a towering gorilla as their symbol of victory.

3. 1989 Brazilian Grand Prix - The Trophy That Cut Nigel Mansell

In 1989, after winning the Brazilian Grand Prix, Nigel Mansell had an unforgettable encounter with his trophy—literally. The design featured a black base with sharp pillars supporting a cup adorned with golden wings. Unfortunately, these sharp edges proved dangerous, as Mansell cut his finger while lifting it, causing him to stumble in pain. The image of a victorious Mansell bleeding from his hand cemented this trophy's place in F1’s wacky history.

2. Copper Jug Trophy - 1989 Mexican Grand Prix

Another peculiar design from 1989 comes from the Mexican Grand Prix. Ayrton Senna, who dominated the race, was awarded a copper jug resembling an old-fashioned spittoon—a container used in the 19th century to dispose of chewing tobacco.

Weighing over 1.6 kilograms and standing 35.6 cm tall, the jug was inscribed with “Grand Premio de Mexico 1er Lugar Piloto,” marking it as one of the strangest trophies of the era. Senna, however, never kept the original, as McLaren traditionally held onto their driver’s trophies. Instead, he commissioned a replica for his collection, keeping this odd piece alive in his personal history.

1. Santander Trophy - 2014 British Grand Prix

The 2014 British Grand Prix will forever be remembered for disappointing one of F1's biggest stars. Traditionally, the winner of the British GP is presented with the golden Royal Automobile Club trophy, a symbol of prestige. However, in 2014, Lewis Hamilton was instead handed a trophy shaped like the Santander logo, as the bank was the event’s sponsor.

Unimpressed, Hamilton famously asked, “Where’s the gold trophy?” on the podium. Though he eventually received the traditional trophy later in the press conference, his complaints about the lack of historical significance resonated with many fans. Hamilton’s dissatisfaction solidified this trophy as one of the worst in Formula 1 history.