Follow
Max Verstappen has been crowned the FIA Formula One World Drivers Champion for the fourth successive year in the Fedération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Awards that took place at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday night, 13 December.
It was the first time that the event, which was attended by the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, was held on the African continent as the achievements of all FIA Champions in 2024 were honoured in a glamorous fashion.
The Red Bull racing driver, 27, was followed by Lando Norris of McLaren, who chalked up four victories in 2024, and he took home the runners-up trophy.
Charles Leclerc, who races for Ferrari, returned to the FIA Awards for the second time, finishing third, while it was McLaren’s Zak Brown and Andrea Stella took the Constructors’ trophy after a thrilling fight that went down to the final race in Abu Dhabi.
There were multiple exciting new features added for the 2024 edition of this annual celebration such as the addition of an Action of the Year award for each of the World Championships, recognising the unique and thrilling aspects of each of the FIA’s varied categories.
The most decorated manufacturer of the evening was, however, Toyota, with the Toyota Gazoo Racing teams prevailing in the FIA World Rally, Rally-Raid and Endurance Championships in 2024.
The FIA Karting World Champions were honoured for their victories, with Kenzo Craigie, Ethan Jeff-Hall and Giuseppe Palomba receiving their coveted trophies for Junior, OK and KZ classes respectively.
Bernie Ecclestone received the FIA President’s Innovation Medal for a lifetime of achievements and contributions to the promotion of Formula 1, and the integral part he has played in transforming the pinnacle of motorsport into the global spectacle it is today.
Photo: Red Bull racing driver Max Verstappen claimed the FIA Formula One World Drivers trophy for the fourth time in a row.
Photo: Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris, among others, scooped the trophies at the FIA Awards gala held at BK Arena in Kigali.
Photo: The FIA Awards tradition where all the winners pose for a photo with the guests of honour.