Lewis Hamilton won his third Formula One World Championship back in October.
But instead of receiving his trophy in front of an adoring crowd at the track, Formula One hand out the prize at their FIA annual Prize Giving Gala, which this year was held at the famous Lido theatre on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.
It’s all very glamorous with all those in attendance suited and booted, but it’s just another example of why the sport is and never has been really in touch with its supporters.
Whilst taking this third title, Hamilton became the first Briton to ever take back-to-back championships.
The Brit also became the third most successful driver in the history of the sport with his 10 victories over the 19 race season lifting him to a career tally of 43, ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Ayrton Senna.
Speaking at the Gala, Hamilton said: ?It?s pretty much impossible to put into words what it means to be a three-time world champion, It is a dream, it?s an incredible feeling and I?m very proud of my family for everything they did to get me here today. I remember how hard my Dad and my Mum worked to make sacrifices for me. It?s been a long, long journey – I?ve been racing for 22 years.
?This year, winning the race in Austin and sealing the championship there was one of the most special races – there?s a huge sense of pride in what I have achieved.?
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also collected the Formula One constructors championship for Mercedes.
The other big winner on the night was 18-year-old Max Verstappen.
The Toro Rosso driver won three awards, taking the Rookie of the Year, Personality of the Year and the Action of the Year accolades.
The first award was voted for by a panel from the FIA Drivers? Commission, the second was a media vote, whilst the third was a public vote.
‘I am amazed and very happy to have won three awards this evening at such an important event, and at the end of only my first year in Formula One,? said Verstappen.
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