Ricciardo supports Vettel over F1 trophy design criticism

Daniel Ricciardo supports Sebastian Vettel’s criticism of Formula 1 trophy designs following the Ferrari driver’s complaints after the Mexican Grand Prix.

Vettel, who finished as runner-up in Mexico City behind race-winner Lewis Hamilton, was not a fan of the “shitty” trophy or “selfie guy” on the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez podium and called for F1 to introduce trophies that have relevance to the countries hosting the race.

Asked whether he agreed with Vettel’s comments ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, Ricciardo replied: “In the moment a win is a win, and you are actually not too fussed.

“Well I’m not too fussed in the moment what the trophy looks like. I am the winner and my high is higher than what’s going to be handed to me.

“Whether it is a year or 10 years on, you are going to look back and if you see something amazing sitting in your cabinet, it is going to be a lot nicer than seeing, as Seb said, Heineken style.

“We go to Mexico, the bottle of tequila we all received was a piece of art.

“It was all hand painted and I feel like what they represent, and their culture and history represents in Mexico, they could do something amazing with their trophy if they left it to the locals, or to the country, and not to a sponsor. There is a lot of room to it, and make it iconic and special.

“In Seb’s point, you win an F1 race, I know he did personally not win, but if you win a podium it is a big achievement, and you want to be recognised for something that is a bit more special than something generic that is from a sponsor.”

And Ricciardo feels it is something that is likely to be addressed by the GPDA.

“We all feel it,” he explained. “I don’t think it is a big ask.

“I’m sure Heineken put a bit of money behind it. I know Santander did trophies. It is definitely an opportunity for us to speak out.”