Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen scooped three awards at the FIA’s 2015 Prize Giving Gala on Friday evening, following his standout debut Formula One season.
Verstappen, who scored 49 points to finish 12th in this year’s driver standings, won Rookie of the Year and Personality of the Year, as well as securing the Action of the Year accolade.
"I am amazed and very happy to have won three awards this evening at such an important event, and at the end of only my first year in Formula One,” said Verstappen.
The 18-year-old Dutchman was voted Rookie of the Year by the FIA Drivers’ Commission, made up of accomplished drivers from a range of motorsport categories, Personality of the Year by the media, and won the Action of the Year prize following a public vote.
Fans were given the chance to pick one of nine overtakes from various racing series, and Verstappen’s move on Sauber’s Felipe Nasr around the outside of Blanchimont at Spa-Francorchamps during the Belgian Grand Prix came out on top.
“It’s nice to win the Action of the Year for the second time, because I really enjoy overtaking on track," added Verstappen.
“It’s a great honour to win the Rookie of the Year award, as it’s voted for by the Drivers’ Commission and I have to say, getting two fourth place finishes in my first F1 season is more than I expected.
“Personality of the Year? I’m not sure why I won that, but it’s nice to know the media like me!”
