The Chinese Grand Prix is the second round of the 2025 Formula 1 season and will be the first event to feature the alternate sprint format this year. With just one hour of practice before sprint qualifying, drivers will have limited time to fine-tune their setups before battling for grid positions in the sprint race on Saturday.

One key change for the weekend is the introduction of a special trophy for the winner of sprint qualifying. Pirelli has unveiled a unique design to celebrate the driver who secures pole position for the sprint, featuring a prominent model tyre and a special logo commemorating the company’s 500th grand prix.

While the milestone will officially take place at the Dutch Grand Prix later in the season, Pirelli has decided to mark the occasion throughout the year, awarding this trophy to every sprint "pole sitter" in 2025.

“A new trophy will make its debut in China, going to whoever takes pole position in Friday afternoon’s Sprint Qualifying,” says Pirelli's press release.

“The trophy features an embossed version of the special logo to mark Pirelli’s season-long celebration of reaching its 500th Grand Prix later this year at the Dutch round of the championship, presented on 18 February during Formula 1’s team presentation event at London’s O2 Arena.

“Furthermore, at the end of all six of this year’s Sprint Qualifying sessions, the trophy will be personalised with a silver plaque bearing the polesitter’s initials as used to identify the drivers on the timing screens.”