(Motorsports news) The 22-year-old Australian became the first-ever three-time recipient of the Award in 2020 (for his F3 season) and 2021 (for his F2 season), having finished eighth in the championship after winning a sprint race in Qatar. Before fellow Formula One driver Logan Sargeant, Super Formula runner-up and AlphaTauri stand-in Liam Lawson, and Formula Three winner Gabriel Bortoleto, Autosport readers chose Piastri as the best rookie of 2023.
Piastri’s achievements were revealed on December 3rd at the Grosvenor House on Park Lane Autosport Awards. Mika Hakkinen, a two-time Formula 1 world champion, accepted the prize live on stage, and Piastri accepted by pre-recorded video message. “I sincerely appreciate all of the votes that I received,” Piastri stated. “It’s been a remarkable year after such a great turnaround for the team after a tough start, culminating in the sprint victory in Qatar.”
Previous recipients of the prize, which goes to professional racers competing in their debut season in their respective classes, include Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Jenson Button, Juan Pablo Montoya, Mark Webber, and Charles Leclerc. Rally Driver of the Year, British Competition Driver of the Year, National Driver of the Year, International Competition Car of the Year, and International Racing Driver of the Year—presented by Pirelli—are among the other categories that are chosen by the public through voting.
The Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award, the Autosport Williams Engineer of the Future Award, the Autosport Gold Medal with the Gregor Grant Award for lifetime legacy, the John Bolster Trophy for technical achievement, the Pioneering and Innovation Award, Moment of the Year, and Promoter of the Year are among the other honors that are determined by knowledgeable judging panels. The Brand Partnership of the Year award is a new one for 2023.
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