Trophies in F1 are iconic symbols of success, but there’s a common question among fans: when a driver wins a race, do they get to keep the actual trophy, or does it belong to the team? The answer is a bit more complicated than you might think, and it depends largely on contracts and team policies. So, let’s see.
Where Do Trophies In F1 Go?
During a Formula 1 podium ceremony, trophies in F1 are awarded to the top three drivers and a representative of the winning constructor (the team). These trophies are impressive and often unique to each race, designed to honor the winners and celebrate the moment. However, the trophy presented on the podium is sometimes not the final one that the drivers or teams get to keep. In many cases, the original trophies or real trophies stay with the team, and the drivers receive replicas or smaller versions.
The main reason behind this is that trophies in F1 are considered valuable team assets. Teams like Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull are known to keep the original trophies in their trophy rooms as part of their rich history and legacy. Drivers, depending on their contract, might only get to keep replicas.
For instance, Lewis Hamilton reportedly has a contract clause that allows him to keep the actual trophies he wins, unlike when he was at McLaren, where the team retained the trophies and only gave him replicas. This shows that trophies in F1 can be treated very differently based on agreements between the driver and the team.
So, when thinking about trophies in F1, it’s safe to say that most original trophies belong to the teams, reserved for their trophy cabinets and historical displays. Drivers usually get replicas or specially made versions as keepsakes, but some top drivers with strong contracts may keep the originals. This sharing or separating depends on negotiation, team culture, and tradition.
Trophies in F1 carry more than just prestige; they symbolize the hard work of both drivers and teams. While fans might picture drivers walking away with shiny trophies, in most cases, the team keeps the originals, and drivers treasure their replicas. The next time you see a trophy presentation on the podium, remember that the real story of trophies in F1 is often behind the scenes, governed by contracts and team decisions, making these trophies a shared victory in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.
