At the FIA Prize-Giving Gala, Max Verstappen was finally awarded the F1 Drivers’ trophy.
Max Verstappen was declared the new Formula One World Champion at the FIA Prize-Giving Gala in Paris on Thursday night.
Verstappen looked set to win the Drivers’ trophy for the first time after Mercedes decided against filing an appeal over the contentious finish to the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Christian Horner, the Red Bull team boss, was also present, though Mercedes teammate Toto Wolff and runner-up Lewis Hamilton were both missing, with Wolff describing the pair as “disillusioned.”
Verstappen, along with champions from the FIA’s numerous motorsport categories, had his moment in the spotlight when he stepped to the stage to accept his prize.
“It’s my life goal achieved. It sounds pretty decent, I think,” Verstappen smiled, when asked how he felt about collecting the trophy.
“Everything that comes next is just a bonus, to be honest. But I’m going to keep pushing – I’m going to be in F1 for a few more years!”
Mercedes did not go home empty-handed, as Chief Technical Officer James Allison received the Constructors’ trophy on their behalf.
The F1 community will now take a short winter break after the final official engagement of the year, ahead of the announcement of car launches and the start of pre-season testing for the sport’s new era in 2022.
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