Pirelli unveils dish-stacked trophy for Italian GP
Pirelli, title sponsor of the Italian Grand Prix, has revealed a trophy made of stacked cups and bowls called FRAGILE. The artwork by Vedovamazzei is constructed from nylon powder and reflects the tradition of sharing a celebratory cup. The trophy will be awarded to the podium finishers at Monza.
The trophy's creators, Stella Scala and Simeone Crispino, work collaboratively as Vedovamazzei and are known for blending irony with observations about everyday life. Their design process involved layering common household dishware into a precarious vertical arrangement, then treating the nylon powder surface through painting, galvanizing, and polishing to achieve a mirror-like finish. Pirelli has commissioned trophies for its home race for six consecutive years, partnering with an art gallery housed in one of its former Milan tire factories.
This year's Italian GP weekend also features Ferrari's fifth consecutive special livery for Monza, a tradition that became feasible after F1 relaxed restrictions on one-off designs around 2021. Teams must still seek permission from the FIA and work within rules governing logos and driver numbers, but the commercial benefits of unique liveries have made approval more routine.
This story could resonate beyond hardcore F1 fans by highlighting how commercial sponsors increasingly shape sporting traditions. The whimsical trophy design may spark broader conversations about the tension between motorsport's high-tech, corporate image and more human, playful elements. Fans and casual viewers alike could find the contrast refreshing, potentially boosting engagement with the Italian GP through social media sharing. The trend of special liveries may also influence how other sports approach branding and fan experiences, though its lasting impact depends on whether such gestures feel authentic or merely commercial.