Jenson Button reveals whether F1 world champions get to keep the iconic trophy

Published: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 7:00 am

F1 Champions Don't Keep the Trophy, Button Reveals

Former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button has revealed a surprising detail about the iconic trophy awarded to the sport's victors: champions don't get to keep it. Button, who secured his sole world championship in 2009 with the Brawn-GP team, shared this information during a recent Q&A session.

The trophy, designed in 1995, is a silver masterpiece featuring the signatures of every title winner, starting with Giuseppe Farina in 1950. It's designed to accommodate the names of champions for the first 100 seasons of the championship. However, the trophy remains in the possession of the current title holder. When a new champion is crowned, the previous winner must relinquish the trophy.

Button, who lost his title to Sebastian Vettel in 2010, was surprised by this rule. He explained that he only had the trophy for the year he won the championship. To fill the void in his trophy cabinet, Button was informed he would need to purchase a replica. Initially hesitant, he ultimately received a replica as a gift from his manager, costing approximately $35,000.

The article also notes that Lando Norris became Britain's first new champion since Button and the 11th overall. He will begin the defense of the trophy in Australia on March 8th.

BNN's Perspective:

The tradition of the F1 trophy is a fascinating insight into the sport's history and prestige. While it's understandable that the original trophy remains in circulation, the cost of a replica highlights the financial realities of the sport. It's a reminder that even for champions, the pursuit of victory can come with unexpected expenses.

Keywords: Formula 1, F1, Jenson Button, World Championship, Trophy, Sebastian Vettel, Lando Norris, Brawn-GP, Motorsport, Racing, Replica Trophy

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