Max Verstappen made sure of his third Formula 1 title in as many seasons at the Qatar Grand Prix, but will have to wait for two months before getting his hands on the trophy
The FIA is adamant it will not consider changing the rules to allow Formula 1 title-winners to get their hands on the trophy as soon as their success is confirmed.
But he will have to be patient about getting his tangible reward for his supremacy in 2023. While most sporting triumphs tend to be followed up by the player or team being handed the trophy there and then, F1 doesn't work that way. The lack of a trophy to pose with means celebrations such as those enjoyed by Verstappen and his Red Bull team in Qatar feel like they are missing an element, compared to other sporting triumphs. But FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem would be against any moves to change the rules.
"Even now I feel my hairs standing up, because I remember that I was so young, I was 25 years old. To go there is what you dream of, and that's how the other youngsters also look at it.