Has F1 ditched traditional trophies?

Earlier this week we told you that the FIA had broken its own rules by allowing trophies depicting the Santander logo to be presented to the drivers on the podium at the Italian Grand Prix. As we pointed out, Appendix 4, article 4 of the sporting regulations states that: “The trophies, which must be in the form of traditional cups.”

If the FIA had recognised its mistake, acknowledged that it had gained an unfair advantage from this corporate profiteering, and allowed the traditional trophy to regain its position then we would have let them off the hook. Sadly, they followed up the Monza monstrosity with a Singapore eyesore. The pewter trophy, designed by Zulkifle Mahmod, is apparently based on the concept title “Come shape the future of racing” (it’s the one in the middle, if you were wondering).

There is nothing very traditional about that, so our only option is to impose a time penalty.