F1’s podium party gets a vibrant Pirelli twist

©Pirelli

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Formula 1’s podium celebrations are set to burst into color, with Pirelli ditching its classic black caps for a dazzling array of special edition podium headgear at 14 of the 24 races in the 2025 season.

Kicking off at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, the top three drivers will swap the usual monochrome for eye-popping green and gold – a tribute to the host nation’s spirit.

Historically, it’s a bold leap from tradition as Pirelli has always kept it sleek and simple with black branded caps for the post-race champagne spray.

But there’ve been standout exceptions: think cowboy hats for Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Fernando Alonso at the 2012 U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, or the sunny yellow lids – echoing Ayrton Senna’s iconic helmet—worn by Max Verstappen, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly in Sao Paulo last year.

Now, Pirelli’s taking that flair to the next level with designer Denis Dekovi, unleashing a rainbow of creativity across the calendar.

A Cultural Celebration in Every Cap

From Melbourne’s green and gold, the palette shifts to red and gold in China, then blue and gold in Japan. Each design, crafted with Dekovi’s 30-plus years of sportswear savvy, is a nod to the host country’s soul.

“Dekovic pays homage to the traditions and cultural identity of the country hosting the grand prix through the use of colour and materials,” Pirelli’s statement beams.

“With over 30 years experience in the world of sportswear, Dekovic brings his vision to the table, with exclusive pieces that embody performance, precision and prestige, reflecting Pirelli’s quest for excellence both on and off the track.”

Want in on the action? Fans can snag these lids for £65 in the UK – a premium jump over typical team gear.

Pirelli’s not just supplying its rubber this season, it’s dressing the podium in style, one vibrant cap at a time.

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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.