Before I start this article, I'd like give special thanks to both the organizers "and" the venue, for their reliable correspondence and unwavering compassion, for ouri frend and photographer, Tom O'Dell, who suffers with mobility issues. It's great to see that more and more venues are creating an "All Access" policy. Thank you Naomi, your team and "all" of the venue staff too. Your hospitality was much appreciated.💪💪🏁🙏
Now, the Autosport Awards, 2025... Held at the The Roundhouse, Camden, London, celebrated the motorsport's elite. The event, hosted by Dermot O’Leary and Lee McKenzie, launched the celebration for 75 years of Autosport and the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
F1 Generations - Mercs Kimi Antonelli & Sky's Martin Brundle
Bernie Ecclestone, credited for transforming Formula 1, received the 75th Anniversary trophy from Martin Brundle and Piero Ferrari. Max Verstappen retained his Formula 1 title for the fourth time and secured the International Racing Driver of the Year award, also winning the Moment of the Year with his Brazilian Grand Prix victory. Rising star Deagen Fairclough won the Silverstone Autosport BRDC Young Driver Award, receiving £200,000 and a Formula 1 test with Aston Martin.
📷Autosport
McLaren won its first championship in 26 years, with the MCL38 receiving the Autosport International Competition Car of the Year Award, and Lando Norris took British Competition Driver Award again.
Abbi Pulling - Best Dressed on the night too 📷Tom O'Dell
Rising stars took the spotlight, including F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling, who clinched nine wins in 2024 and earned a GB3 seat for 2025 and it's was great to catch up with, and congratulate BTCC's "Jake Hill" on his Award for National Driver if the Year.... The Autosport voters chose well there 💪💪🏁. "Are you staying late Jake? " we asked him.. "Depends how good the music is" he replied.. ( Mel C DID have an amazing set, fair play 💪💪🎧)
Sir Jackie Stewart - Race Against Dementia & Lord March - Goodwood Group 📷Tom O'Dell
I also had to pleasure to shake hands and speak with two of Motorsports greatest innovators, Lord March, 11th Duke of Richmond and Sir Jackie Stewart. Lord March happily discussed the recent recognition of Goodwoods strive for zero emissions and sustainability within Motorsports.
Sir Jackie Stewart was adorned in his traditional tartan dress code and we briefly chatted about his charity, "Race Against Dementia" and the awareness it's creating for this terrible affliction.
The highlight of our night was the opportunity to speak with the new Mercedes-AMG driver, Italian, Kimi Antonelli. What an extremely pleasant young man. Well spoken, humble a pleasure to converse with. We discussed Nutritionist and fitness and Kimi told us that he physically fit for Australia this coming March.. Pitlane News look forward to reporting on his motorsport endeavours as they unfold.
Full list of award winners:
- 75th Anniversary honoree - Bernie Ecclestone
- International Driver of the Year - Max Verstappen
- British Competition Driver - Lando Norris
- Person of the Year - Andrea Stella
- International Rally Driver of the Year - Sebastien Ogier
- National Driver of the Year - Jake Hill
- International Competition Car - MCL38
- Promoter of the Year - Las Vegas Grand Prix
- Moment of the Year - Verstappen Masterclass in Brazil
- Brand Partnership of the Year - Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% x Scuderia Ferrari
- Pioneering & Innovation - Pirelli – Forest Stewardship Council-certified tyres
- F1 ACADEMY champion - Abbi Pulling
- Young Driver of the Year - Deagen Fairclough
Some standout highlights from the evening, included Max Verstappen clinching one of the evening’s top accolades, affirming his stellar season and dominance in Formula 1. The event also celebrated rising stars, with young drivers being recognized for their exceptional performances across different motorsport categories. The night was sprinkled with lively and entertaining speeches, that added a charming touch to the proceedings, with attendees sharing humorous anecdotes and heartfelt memories. The camaraderie among the guests was palpable, as various racing figures mingled, exchanged stories, and celebrated not just the winners, but the sport itself.
All in all, it was an evening that masterfully wove together recognition, nostalgia, and the excitement of the motorsport world. Thank you Autosport.. Until next year. 💪💪🏁
Matthew Jordan - Editor in Chief. Images courtesy of Tom O'Dell
ARTICLE SPONSORED BY TOORACE
