WDC Trophy as The World:

The World represents an ending to a cycle of life, a pause in life before the next big cycle beginning with the fool. It is an indicator of a major and inexorable change, of tectonic breadth.

Absolute unity, perfection, accomplishment that draws from inner and outer sources. This card signals the harmony of the inner and outer worlds, and reaching a level of enlightenment. An era of one’s life is complete, and there is joy and celebration that is coming to welcome it.

I always figured before the gala someone from the FIA would go to Monaco, pick it up from Max to get it engraved ahead of time and then Max would just get it back at the gala. Did Max really bring it himself to Baku?

And on that thought, where does Max get his replica? Do they just ship it to him?

No, I doubt he had to bring anything to Baku himself. It's just what I was envisioning seeing Max with the carry-on lugagge in that picture. And yeah, I forgot they get a replica, rather than just another name added to the same one.

When there was talk earlier this year about handing out the trophy at the race where the WDC is secured, Max commented that he was fine getting it at the awards gala and mentioned the 2 replicas he already has:

(Source: Motorsport.com)