Bizarre F1 trophy unveiled for Chinese GP weekend

F1 tyre supplier Pirelli has unveiled a new trophy that will be presented to the driver who sets the fastest lap time during sprint qualifying in China this weekend.

The Chinese Grand Prix marks the second round of the 2025 championship with the alternate sprint format making its first appearance.

Drivers will have just one hour of practice before they take part in sprint qualifying to set the grid for the sprint race that will take place on Saturday.

Sprint events have been dominated by Max Verstappen since their 2021 introduction, with the Dutchman taking nine pole positions from the 18 qualifying events held under the new format.

The winner of the sprint shootout on Friday will get their hands on a brand new trophy introduced by Pirelli.

The Italian marque is launching a series of celebrations this year as it heads towards its 500th grand prix later this year in the Netherlands.

The trophy features the new logo unveiled by Pirelli earlier this year, sitting below a model tyre.

“A new trophy will make its debut in China, going to whoever takes pole position in Friday afternoon’s Sprint Qualifying,” it said. 

“The trophy features an embossed version of the special logo to mark Pirelli’s season-long celebration of reaching its 500th Grand Prix later this year at the Dutch round of the championship, presented on 18 February during Formula 1’s team presentation event at London’s O2 Arena.

“Furthermore, at the end of all six of this year’s Sprint Qualifying sessions, the trophy will be personalised with a silver plaque bearing the polesitter’s initials as used to identify the drivers on the timing screens.”

See the new trophy from Pirelli below!