Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has received a replacement for his broken winner’s trophy from the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The Dutchman posted a photo on his Instagram channel showing him with the new trophy and Brit Lando Norris.
McLaren driver Norris had fallen off the top step of the podium at the Grand Prix just outside Budapest at the end of July by cheering too vigorously with his champagne bottle. The trophy was broken.
“It’s repaired,” wrote Red Bull star Verstappen to the picture. Unlike other trophies, it was difficult to get a quick replacement. The piece had to be made from scratch in a porcelain factory. The company posted a video of the elaborate production, which required a lot of manual work for the decorations.
“It wasn’t my intention, I’ll be more careful next time,” Norris said of his mishap. “I know how much this trophy means to the Hungarians, these works of art are part of their culture. I also apologized to Max.”