F1 drivers did not receive special cups from Pirelli

Following the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Austin, the winners were supposed to receive exclusive trophies presented by Pirelli, but they were not awarded in the end because, as it turned out, there is a similarity in design with an unnamed product.

The Heroo trophies, designed by Italian artist Matteo Machiavelli, featured figures with a black body, movable arms made of carbon fiber, and heads in different designs: gold-plated (with real gold plating) for first place, silver for second, and titanium for third.

After the race, Pirelli confirmed to the Motorsport portal that the company, together with the organizers, decided to abandon the use of cups because it became known that they are similar in design to products from another company (possibly referring to collectible figures from the Bearbrick brand).

As a result, Sainz and Verstappen were awarded miniature tires, which were also awarded as prizes after Saturday's qualifying sessions, and Leclerc received a tall metal trophy in the shape of a pipe. All prizes had to be delivered by special flight from one of Pirelli's offices in the USA.

Pirelli presented the exclusive cups at the beginning of the week, then placed them on the pit wall and even issued them their own paddock passes. Additionally, it was initially planned that the figures could be put up for sale to all comers, which could also potentially lead to problems. In the end, after the race, Pirelli removed the press release about Heroo from its website.

Photo: Motorsportweek.com.