WATCH: Lando Norris reveals special helmet dedicated to Max Verstappen for upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix

Lando Norris, the McLaren driver known for his creative helmet designs, has revealed a very special helmet for the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix. This design holds particular significance as it mimics the trophy he accidentally broke on the podium last year, which belonged to race winner Max Verstappen.

During the previous year’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Norris finished second and inadvertently knocked Verstappen’s first-place trophy off the podium while celebrating. The trophy, valued at around £35,000, broke at its base. Initially, Norris made light of the incident but later issued a heartfelt apology to Verstappen, acknowledging the cultural significance of the trophy to the Hungarian people.

Here is the video:

Who remembers this from last year's Hungarian Grand Prix? 😵‍💫



Lando has partnered with trophy-makers Herend Porcelain to decorate his helmet for this year's race! #F1 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/OtBAFzZH5C

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 18, 2024

"I had no intention of ever doing such a thing and I know how much it means to the Hungarians and part of their culture and so forth. Of course, I want to enjoy the time, but it was never my intention to do such a thing”, he said.

“I made a couple of jokes about it – which maybe I shouldn’t – but I do feel bad. If he did it to my trophy I’d be annoyed! So I do apologise for it and the people who put the time and effort and everything into making it. I didn’t mean for it to happen. So I’ll make sure I’m a lot more careful next time when celebrating."

Lando Norris’s special tribute helmet!

In a remarkable gesture, Lando Norris has collaborated with Herend Porcelain Manufactory, the creator of the broken trophy, to design his helmet for this year’s race. The new helmet features a pattern that closely resembles the intricate design of the porcelain trophies, depicting an assortment of wildlife. 

This act of reconciliation and tribute underscores Norris’s respect for the craftsmanship and cultural heritage represented by the trophies. Herend Porcelain Manufactory supplied Max Verstappen with a replacement trophy five weeks after the race. This year, in a nod to the previous incident, Norris’s helmet design serves as a symbol of apology and a unique way to honour the tradition.

Here is the video:

🎬 More of the process behind the painting of the helmet by @HerendPorselen pic.twitter.com/xtQbV2Okdz

— McLaren News | 🇬🇧 🇦🇺 (@McLarenF1_News) July 17, 2024

Interestingly, Norris is not the only driver sporting a special helmet at the Hungaroring. Esteban Ocon, who secured his maiden Formula 1 victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix three years ago, will also wear a helmet styled after the trophy he won that day. The Alpine driver recently received the A521 chassis he drove to victory from his team, adding another layer of nostalgia and celebration to the event.