Pirelli confirms its Austin GP trophies were pulled due to “potential similarities” to other designs

Despite days of hype, the special “Heroo” trophies created by Pirelli for the winners of the U.S. GP were not awarded on Sunday to the podium finishers.

At the end of the U.S. GP in Austin, winner Charles Leclerc, runner-up Carlos Sainz, and third-place finisher Max Verstappen all stood on the podium — but something was missing. Three things, in fact. None of the podium finishers of the U.S. Grand Prix were awarded the much-hyped trophies from Pirelli that were shown off in the days before the race.

Dubbed “Heroo,” built by Pirelli, and designed by Italian artist Matteo Macchiavelli, each of the original trophies had a black body and articulating arms made from carbon fiber, with a chromed head that matched the finishing position: gold (sprinkled with actual gold dust) for first, silver for second, and titanium for third.

After the race, Pirelli confirmed to Motorsport.com that the company — in conjunction with the race promoter, and after informing the FIA — pulled the trophies from usage because it had been made aware of potential similarities with other designs. (The trophies closely resemble sculptures and collectibles created by the brand Bearbrick.)

Sainz and Verstappen lofted miniature tires like the ones given as Saturday’s qualifying awards. Leclerc appeared to be holding a tall metallic tube-shaped trophy. All three had to be flown in by Pirelli from one of the company’s U.S. offices after it pulled the original trophies, the company confirmed to Motorsport.com.

The Formula 1 circus was in full swing at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, for the much-anticipated 2024 United States Grand Prix. Yet, amidst the roaring engines and nail-biting action, a behind-the-scenes issue involving the race’s trophies stirred up a different kind of buzz. Pirelli, the official tire supplier of F1, made the decision to withdraw the original podium trophies just days before the event. The reason? “Potential similarities” to other designs, raising eyebrows among fans and commentators alike. While it may seem like a small hiccup in the grand scheme of a global sporting event, the situation has sparked a wider discussion about intellectual property, creativity, and how this incident could affect the future of F1 branding.

The Trophy Controversy: What Happened?

Pirelli has been a fixture in Formula 1 for over a decade, and its involvement goes far beyond supplying tires. In recent years, the brand has taken an active role in creating unique trophies for races, often collaborating with designers to deliver aesthetically distinctive pieces. For the Austin GP, Pirelli had prepared a new set of podium trophies that, at the last minute, were pulled due to concerns over their resemblance to an existing design. The company confirmed that the decision was taken out of respect for intellectual property laws and to avoid any potential legal issues.

Though the exact nature of these “similarities” has not been officially revealed, it’s clear that the stakes were too high for Pirelli to take a chance. Formula 1 is a sport where the margins are tight—on and off the track—and maintaining a clean, innovative image is crucial for all involved.

A Blow to Brand Identity?

For a brand like Pirelli, which invests millions annually in its association with Formula 1, this type of misstep is far from trivial. The podium ceremonies are one of the most televised moments of a Grand Prix weekend, and the trophy plays a central role. From a branding perspective, it’s a unique opportunity to showcase creativity, heritage, and identity. By pulling the trophies at the last minute, Pirelli missed out on a significant moment of visibility in front of millions of fans around the world.

One could argue that the decision was a tactical move rather than a failure. Had Pirelli gone ahead with the trophies only to face potential legal disputes, the reputational damage might have been far worse. In an era where fans are quick to react on social media, the company avoided what could have become a viral controversy over plagiarism accusations.

What This Means for Formula 1

The decision to withdraw the trophies also highlights a larger issue facing Formula 1: the increasing scrutiny over design and branding elements within the sport. As F1 continues to grow in popularity—particularly in the United States—its visual identity, including everything from car liveries to trophies, becomes a more valuable asset. With millions of fans watching races live and engaging with content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, even the smallest design details can become big talking points.

This incident may prompt F1 teams, sponsors, and suppliers to be even more cautious in the future. Expect to see stricter approval processes for designs, as well as closer collaborations with intellectual property experts. Creativity will still be a key component of the sport, but it will have to navigate the increasingly complex world of design ownership.

The Road Ahead for Pirelli and F1

In the grand scheme of things, the Austin GP trophy situation is unlikely to leave a lasting scar on Pirelli’s relationship with Formula 1. The brand remains deeply ingrained in the sport and has a solid track record of innovation and collaboration. However, this incident does serve as a reminder of the challenges that come with being a global brand in a hyper-competitive, highly visible environment.

For Formula 1 fans, the event adds an interesting wrinkle to the Austin GP weekend, which otherwise featured thrilling on-track action and the excitement that the sport is known for. It also serves as a lesson for other companies involved in the sport: in a world where creativity and intellectual property can collide, caution is sometimes the best strategy