Max wins three awards at FIA Prize-Giving 2015

Published on 04 December 2015 by Stefan Meens

On Friday evening, Max Verstappen collected no less than three awards at the FIA Prize-Giving in Paris. The 18-year-old Scuderia Toro Rosso driver was voted “Rookie of the Year” and “Personality of the Year” before being awarded the “Action of the Year” trophy. The awards are a testament to the Dutchman's impact on the 2015 Formula 1 season in his rookie campaign.

“I didn't expect to win three FIA prizes. I'm very happy with the recognition of my performance", said Max to Verstappen.nl. "I had a great season with many points and two fourth places. I want to thank Red Bull for giving me the opportunity to make my Formula 1 début and of course I want to thank Toro Rosso, my dad and everyone involved. Without them I wouldn’t have gotten this far."

With 49 points and twelfth place in the Formula 1 drivers' championship, Max was voted “Rookie of the Year” by colleague drivers from a wide variety of motorsport categories. The “Personality of the Year” accolade was based on a vote among permanently accredited media. The third prize, “Action of the Year”, is perhaps the most special one as it was the result of a fan vote.

Race fans had the opportunity to vote for one of nine overtakes, from various categories and drivers. Max' breathtaking manoeuvre on Felipe Nasr, around the outside of Blanchimont at Spa-Francorchamps was nominated by the FIA as one of the nine overtakes of the season and subsequently voted as “Action of the Year” by the fans.

Besides Max collecting some silverware, the FIA’s annual Prize-Giving gala sees champions from every major branch of international motorsport gather together to receive their official FIA awards during a unique star-studded evening.