Niki Lauda honoured at FIA prize gala

Niki Lauda has been posthumously awarded the personality of the year honour at the FIA prize gala in Paris.

The legendary three-time Formula 1 world champion died in May aged 70 which rocked the F1 paddock prior to the Monaco Grand Prix.

Lauda enjoyed a stellar racing career that saw him win titles in 1975, 1977 and 1984, the last two championships came after recovering from a horrific fiery crash at the Nurburgring in 1976. 

The Austrian went on to become an influential figure in the rise of the Mercedes F1 team, where he held the position of non executive chairman. 

Lauda’s contribution to the sport was remembered at the Paris prize giving. The award was voted for by FIA accredited media. 

The late F1 race director Charlie Whiting, who died prior to the Australian Grand Prix in March, and Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert, who succumbed to injuries sustained in crash at the Belgian Grand Prix, were also remembered. 

Red Bull’s Alexander Albon was named rookie of the year, while Dutch team-mate Max Verstappen took the action of the year award for an overtake on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc at the British Grand Prix.

The best promoter’s award went to the Mexican Grand Prix for the fifth year in a row.