Hamilton and Red Bull collect 2019 DHL Awards

Both championships may already have been decided, but DHL, the Global Logistics Partner of Formula 1, made sure there was more F1 silverware on show in Abu Dhabi. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton was honoured with the 2019 DHL Fastest Lap Award at Yas Marina, while the 2019 DHL Fastest Pit Stop accolade went to Red Bull…

DHL Fastest Lap Award

Six-time world champion Hamilton had actually wrapped this one up before the final race weekend of the season – but just to make sure, he also recorded the fastest race lap in Abu Dhabi, bringing his 2019 total to six, two more than that of nearest rival, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

“Besides the performance in the drivers’ championship, fastest lap times have always been important in Formula 1, which is why our award is coveted by both drivers and teams,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, who presented the DHL Fastest Lap trophy to Hamilton.

Having won it for a fourth time, Hamilton is now the leading record holder for the DHL Fastest Lap Award, having overtaken Sebastian Vettel who was previously level with him on three awards.

“Fastest lap has a different importance this year because it’s another point in the championship, so it has a bigger meaning,” said Hamilton. “It has been fun to chase the purple times at the end of the races, and I have had some really good laps – I can remember Silverstone, on older tyres and really pushing to the limit right before the chequered flag, in front of my home fans. The extra point has added some spice to the final laps of the races and it’s pretty cool that we’ve done a good job this year in that area.”

DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award

As in 2018, this prize went to Red Bull, though it was decided more clearly this season and they became the first team in history to defend the Fastest Pit Stop Award. Red Bull also eclipsed Williams’ 2016 world record for the fastest stop of 1.92 seconds three times, most recently at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen came out of the pits in just 1.82 seconds.

“The outstanding performances this season impressively prove that Formula 1 is also a team sport,” said Pearson. “In order to set such record times, the entire team in the pit lane has to work 'as one' under extreme time pressure. Red Bull have impressively demonstrated what is possible by racking up a series of records.”

“I’m very proud of our team in the pit lane,” added Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull’s Sporting Director. “Setting a new world record three times in a single season really is something special, we were focused on improving our performance and are proud to see our efforts rewarded!”