Pininfarina Unveils Trophy Design for Formula 1 Spanish GP

The “Monumental” design (pictured), created by the Italian studio Pininfarina and inspired by the Monumental corner — the longest banked turn on the calendar and set to become the most emblematic feature of the MADRING circuit — has been chosen as the official trophy of the FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2026, which will take place from 11 to 13 September.

The winning design was announced by two time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz Sr. during the official ceremony held at the Palacio de Cibeles. The event was attended by the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez Almeida; the President of the Madrid Region, Isabel Díaz Ayuso; the Chairman of the Executive Committee of IFEMA MADRID, José Vicente de los Mozos; as well as representatives from the worlds of sport, culture, and industry.

Pininfarina’s proposal prevailed over the two other finalists: “Regnatrix Aurea,” by Madrid based artist Sandra Val, and “Ascent,” by designer Laura Talaya, also from Madrid. All three proposals had been shortlisted in an initial phase of deliberation for their conceptual quality and their ability to reflect the character of the new Grand Prix and Madrid’s cultural identity.

The jury — composed of Carlos Sainz; Guillermo Solana, Artistic Director of the Thyssen Museum; Louise Young, Chief Race Promoters Officer at Formula 1; Gonzalo Cabrera, Director of Culture and Education at IFEMA MADRID; and internationally renowned architect and designer Teresa Sapey — faced an especially demanding decision due to the high calibre of the submissions. Ultimately, the formal sobriety, elegant lines and iconic character of the Italian studio were decisive in the selection of “Monumental” as the symbol of this new era.

Carlos Sainz highlighted the significance of having a globally recognised design house involved in the project:
“Having a firm like Pininfarina design the trophy for the Spanish Grand Prix demonstrates the magnitude of this project. The ‘Monumental’ trophy will not merely be an object; it will be the symbol lifted by the winner of the 2026 race, speaking not only of the most iconic corner of MADRING but also of the way victory is understood in our city. That is why it needed to live up to both Madrid and Formula 1 — and I believe this trophy more than delivers.”

MONUMENTAL: the trophy to be lifted by the first champion in Madrid

The Monumental design takes the full layout of the circuit as its starting point, stretching and shaping it until it becomes the Monumental corner itself, transforming the track into a sculptural gesture. The piece captures the tension and precision of driving, creating a play of surfaces and reflections that conveys a sense of movement, even when still. A crimson red detail tracing the outline of MADRING runs along its contour, reinforcing its link with the Spanish Grand Prix.

The studio explained:
“Designing a trophy means designing a symbol — not only of the sport, but also of the people and the country that hosts it. At Pininfarina, we translate these values into an evocative form capable of expressing the adrenaline and emotion felt both by those who drive and those who witness the race.”

With this selection, the FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2026 will have a unique and authentic emblem for Formula 1’s return to Madrid after 45 years, consolidating the international ambition of the new MADRING circuit.

PININFARINA: a global icon of Italian design
Founded in 1930 in Turin by Battista “Pinin” Farina, Pininfarina is one of the world’s most renowned design studios, with a legacy strongly linked to the automotive industry and brands such as Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo.

In Formula 1, the studio has designed the official trophies for the Qatar and Azerbaijan Grands Prix, as well as, in collaboration with Lenovo, those for Japan and the United States in 2023, and for China and Brazil in 2024 — consolidating its presence in the championship.

The “Monumental” trophy marks the beginning of a new chapter for the MADRING circuit, turning its layout into a tangible symbol of speed, ambition and the thrill of claiming the first victory on a track destined to become a permanent fixture on the Formula 1 calendar.

ABOUT THE FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA
The FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2026 will be held from 11 to 13 September at MADRING, a new 5.4 km semi urban circuit with 22 corners designed to deliver a spectacular experience. Among them stands out La Monumental, set to become the iconic point of the track: a corner of 550 metres long with 24% banking, posing a unique challenge for drivers.

It will also be one of the best connected circuits on the calendar. Located within the city and just five minutes from the airport, it offers a metro station at its main entrance, a train station and multiple urban bus lines. It is estimated that at least 80% of attendees will arrive by public transport, reducing the overall carbon footprint.