The Italian design house Pininfarina has created the “Monumental” trophy for the 2026 FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA, scheduled from September 11 to 13 at the new MADRING circuit. The design draws inspiration from the Monumental corner, the longest banked turn on the Formula 1 calendar, which is set to become the signature feature of the circuit.
This trophy was unveiled during an official ceremony at Madrid’s Palacio de Cibeles, with notable figures attending the event including two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz Sr., Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez Almeida, Madrid Region President Isabel Díaz Ayuso, IFEMA MADRID Executive Committee Chairman José Vicente de los Mozos, alongside influential representatives from sports, culture, and industry sectors.
Design Competition Highlights Local Creativity and International Excellence
Pininfarina’s “Monumental” was selected over two other finalists: “Regnatrix Aurea” by Madrid-based artist Sandra Val and “Ascent” by designer Laura Talaya, also from Madrid. These entries were chosen early on for their conceptual strength and ability to capture the spirit of the new Grand Prix as well as reflect Madrid’s cultural essence.
The judging panel included 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 architect-designer Teresa Sapey. The selection process was notably challenging due to the high standard of submissions, but Pininfarina’s trophy won favor for its formal elegance, clean lines, and iconic presence, embodying both the circuit and the event’s new chapter.
Carlos Sainz Emphasizes the Trophy’s Symbolic Power
Carlos Sainz acknowledged the importance of having a globally renowned design company involved, saying,
“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.” ?Carlos Sainz Sr., World Rally Champion
Design Details: Capturing the Essence of MADRING
The trophy transforms the entire layout of MADRING into a sculptural form focused on the Monumental corner. Its shape stretches and distorts the circuit map to create a dynamic, sculptural gesture that evokes the precision and tension experienced in racing. A vivid crimson red line traces MADRING’s outline on the trophy, reinforcing the piece’s connection to the Spanish Grand Prix.
Pininfarina described their vision, stating,
“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.” ?Pininfarina Studio
A Historic Return for Formula 1 in Madrid with a Distinctive Emblem
The 2026 Spanish Grand Prix marks Formula 1’s return to Madrid after a 45-year absence, with MADRING representing a major international motorsport milestone. The trophy’s design offers a tangible reference to speed, excitement, and ambition, symbolizing what it means to win on this ultra-modern track destined to be a fixture on the F1 circuit.
Pininfarina’s Heritage of Excellence in Automotive and Racing Design
Founded in 1930 by Battista “Pinin” Farina in Turin, Pininfarina stands as a global icon of Italian design, particularly recognized for work with prestigious automotive brands like Ferrari, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo. This studio has been steadily forging its presence in Formula 1 by designing trophies for Grand Prix events including Qatar, Azerbaijan, Japan, the United States, China, and Brazil in recent years, further cementing its role within the sport.
MADRING Circuit: A Unique Urban Racing Venue
The MADRING circuit features a 5.4-kilometer semi-urban layout with 22 corners, purposely designed to deliver exhilarating racing action. The Monumental turn itself is a standout, stretching 550 meters with 24% banking, offering a singular challenge for drivers and a landmark to symbolize the event.
Its strategic location inside Madrid ensures excellent connectivity, just five minutes from the airport and equipped with a metro station, train station, and multiple urban bus lines at the venue’s main entrance. Organizers estimate that over 80% of spectators will use public transport, contributing significantly to minimizing the event’s environmental impact.
