Verstappen presented with replacement Hungarian GP trophy

©Instagram

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Max Verstappen was presented on Tuesday with a new 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix winner's trophy following the breakage on the podium last month of the original memento.

At the Hungaroring, post-race celebrations were heading towards their usual bubbly ritual when Lando Norris, rejoicing in his second-place position, indulged in his signature champagne thump.

However, the McLaren driver's forceful blow sent the nearby winner's trophy tumbling, which broke the precious hand-made $45,000 porcelain cup's base and top.

In the post-race driver's presser, both drivers laughed off the blunder, with Norris blaming the crack-up on Verstappen whom he said had left the trophy "too close to the edge".

The Hungarian company that manufactures the event's trophies said that it would immediately "take on the joyful and heavy burden" of crafting a replacement piece for Verstappen.

Herendi has now made good on its promise, with a company representative delivering to the reigning world champion a second piece that will find its way to Red Bull's trophy cabinet at Milton Keynes where it will remain out of harm's – or rather Norris' – way.

On Instagram, Verstappen shared with his fans a few pictures of the handover, with Norris present for the moment.

"It's in one piece," he wrote, adding in a short video that "Lando is not allowed to touch it!"

For good measure, the McLaren driver was issued a (joke) invoice to cover the cost of his antics.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.