The Reason Why the Unique French GP Trophy Is a Gorilla

F1 is back this weekend! The sport will return to action at the Circuit Paul Ricard for the French GP. Many fans are eagerly waiting to see the cars take to the track and entertain them this weekend.

When it comes to Paul Ricard, there are many unique qualities about the track which sets it apart from others on the calendar. The layout certainly stands out alongside the runoff areas that have the same colors as the French flag. Another unique thing about the French GP is the gorilla trophies presented on the podium.

We have seen some unusual trophies over the years in F1. Who can forget the Monaco GP trophy that has a Louis Vuitton Case? Despite all this, the French GP trophy still manages to catch the eye. According to F1.com, French artist and sculptor Richard Orlinski designed the trophy. We know the artist for his animal-based sculptors that were prominent throughout the track last year.

Interestingly, the gorilla trophy has a tricolor scheme, which is the national flag of France. As expected the trophy will make a comeback this year as well.

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But there is a concern among F1 fans that this might be the last time we might see the Gorilla trophy as the contract of the French GP expires at the end of the 2022 season. Naturally, the home hero, Esteban Ocon, is troubled with the situation.

Alpine F1 driver Esteban Ocon worried about the future of the French GP

The French native revealed he is following the situation closely but does not have any positive expectations regarding the outcome. He termed the whole situation as ‘disappointing’.

“I’m following the conversations obviously and seeing how that’s going, but yeah, it doesn’t look too nice obviously. It is very disappointing. I’ve been living in my young career when the Grand Prix was not there.”

“Then it came back, and I’ve been very lucky and very fortunate to race there. We have it this year, and we are going to enjoy it to the fullest,” said Ocon.

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Having gone through Ocon’s comments, it looks highly unlikely that the sport will return to Paul Ricard next season. So for all the French F1 fans, this might be the last time that they will flock onto the circuit to see the race.