“Michael and Lewis are champions but also incredible human beings” – Schumacher and Hamilton received the President’s Special Award at the annual F1 Prize Giving Ceremony.
The F1’s Prize Giving Ceremony was held virtually, with FIA President Jean Todt in attendance. He awarded the President’s Special Award to Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. The former’s wife Corinna Schumacher accepted the award, keeping in mind Michael’s recovery from coma.
The special award was given to both of them for their record-equally F1 seven World Championships. The Schumacher family has created the Keep Fighting Foundation, inspired by Michael’s fight and spirit of perseverance. Corinna spoke about the importance of the Keep Fighting Foundation to his husband.
“Michael has always had a big heart to do something for people who are in need. With the Keep Fighting Foundation, we want to continue the work he started.”
#FIAPrizeGiving2020 – I have also chosen to award Michael @schumacher and @LewisHamilton in recognition of their shared achievement in winning 7 @FIA @F1 World Drivers’ Championships and the inspiration their sporting and personal commitments have brought to the world. pic.twitter.com/HRiosbB8ld
— Jean Todt (@JeanTodt) December 18, 2020
Jean Todt spoke about the impact both the champions have had off the racing track. Lewis Hamilton has fought for more diversity in motorsports and society all throughout the season. He also received awards for the Drivers’ World Championship 2020, and the Personality of the Year, chosen by media.
“Michael and Lewis are champions but also incredible human beings. Michael was always ready to support any kind of action to benefit society, for example, his work on road safety. To have people like Michael and Lewis to engage with and educate young people is essential.”
Kimi Raikkonen, Mick Schumacher also received awards
Mercedes were awarded the trophy for the Constructors’ World Championship, accepted by team principal Toto Wolff. Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen accepted awards for P2 and P3 this season.
The ‘Ice Man’ Kimi Raikkonen won the Action of the Year, for his incredible first lap at the Portuguese Grand Prix. The Finn will continue in F1 next season with Alfa Romeo, despite season-round rumors to the contrary.
Mick Schumacher was awarded for winning the F2 Championship, while Yuki Tsunoda won the Rookie of the Year award. Both drivers will make their F1 debut next season, with Haas and AlphaTauri, respectively.
A very special third President’s Award was given to the team who helped rescue Romain Grosjean from the fireball crash in Bahrain. F1 chief medical officer Dr. Ian Roberts, medical car driver Alan van der Merwe, and the marshals received the honour virtually, with the man himself Grosjean joining them on the call.
Read more: Who is Alan van der Merwe, the medical car driver who saved Romain Grosjean’s life in Bahrain?
