Carlos Sainz helps select 'Monumental' trophy for Madrid's F1 return

Motorsport legend Carlos Sainz Sr. has helped select the 'Monumental' trophy, designed by Pininfarina, for the winner of the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix. The trophy's design is inspired by the circuit's most iconic corner, symbolizing the city's ambitious return to the Formula 1 calendar after a 45-year absence.

Why it matters:

A grand prix trophy is more than a prize; it's a lasting symbol of victory and the event's identity. For Madrid's high-profile return to F1, selecting a design with input from a Spanish motorsport icon like Sainz and a legendary design house like Pininfarina underscores the event's prestige and its deep connection to both racing heritage and local culture. It sets a tone of ambition and quality for the new race from the very first edition.

The details:

• The winning design, named 'Monumental', was created by the globally renowned Italian design studio Pininfarina, known for its work with Ferrari and other automotive icons.
• The trophy's name and form are a direct reference to the new Madrid circuit's most distinctive feature: the 24% banked Turn 12, aptly nicknamed "La Monumental."
• The selection was made by a jury that included two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz, who emphasized the trophy's significance as a symbol that "will be lifted by the winner of the 2026 race."
• The competition shortlisted three finalists before choosing Pininfarina's entry, which aims to capture "the way victory is understood in our city," according to Sainz.

What's next:

The 'Monumental' trophy will now be crafted, awaiting its first presentation at the finish line of the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. Its unveiling marks another milestone in the buildup to the race, building anticipation for when drivers first compete not just for points, but to hold aloft this new symbol of victory designed for Madrid's F1 renaissance.