Autosport Awards 2025: Verstappen, Norris, and Ecclestone Shine on Motorsport’s Biggest Night

Bernie Ecclestone is celebrated for his six-decade influence on Formula 1, while champions Max Verstappen and Lando Norris cement their legacies. Future F1 hopeful Deagen Fairclough step into the spotlight as motorsport’s rising stars.

Autosport Awards 2025: Verstappen, Norris, and Ecclestone Shine on Motorsport’s Biggest Night

The stars of global motorsport gathered at London’s Roundhouse on January 29 for the Autosport Awards, an evening that celebrated the best of racing in 2024 while marking a major milestone — 75 years of Autosport and the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

Hosted by Dermot O’Leary and Lee McKenzie, the event brought together elite drivers, industry leaders, celebrities, and royalty for a glittering night presented by Qiddiya. Among the evening’s biggest honourees was Bernie Ecclestone, the man who transformed Formula 1 into the global spectacle it is today. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris were recognised for their outstanding performances in 2024, with Verstappen taking home two fan-voted accolades, including International Racing Driver of the Year, and Norris securing British Competition Driver of the Year.

Bernie Ecclestone Receives Autosport’s 75th Anniversary Honour

One of the most significant moments of the night came when Bernie Ecclestone received Autosport’s 75th Anniversary Trophy. In a heartfelt ceremony led by Martin Brundle, the award was presented by Piero Ferrari, son of Enzo Ferrari, with additional tributes from His Grace The Duke of Richmond, Lennox, and Gordon. Reflecting on his six-decade career in motorsport, Ecclestone — who revolutionised F1 from a niche sport into a multi-billion-dollar industry — accepted the award with characteristic wit: “I think I’ve been very bloody lucky.”

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris: Fan Favourites and Championship Heroes

Following another dominant season, Max Verstappen secured his fourth International Racing Driver of the Year award, adding to his collection after clinching his fourth consecutive F1 world title. Verstappen’s sensational victory at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix also won Moment of the Year, an accolade chosen by fan votes. Grateful for the recognition, Verstappen acknowledged the challenges of the season: “It was a very challenging year with a lot of nice wins, tough moments as well, but of course, the most important thing was to come out on top — and that’s what we did as a team. So, I’m very proud of that.”

Meanwhile, Lando Norris was crowned British Competition Driver of the Year, following a career-defining season that saw him take his maiden F1 victory at the Miami Grand Prix and claim three more wins. His performance helped McLaren secure its first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years, with the team’s title-winning MCL38 also taking home International Competition Car of the Year.

Rising Stars: Deagen Fairclough and Abbi Pulling Make Their Mark

The Autosport Awards once again spotlighted the brightest emerging talents in motorsport. Abbi Pulling was crowned F1 ACADEMY champion after a dominant season that saw her win nine out of 14 races, including a stunning triple pole in Abu Dhabi. As champion, she has earned a fully-funded seat in GB3 for 2025.

Deagen Fairclough, the British Formula 4 champion, won the prestigious Silverstone Autosport BRDC Young Driver Award, joining an illustrious list of past recipients, including Jenson Button, Lando Norris, and George Russell. The 18-year-old will receive £200,000 and a Formula 1 test with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team at Silverstone. Overwhelmed by the recognition, Fairclough said: “I am over the moon. To now be on the same list of winners as these fantastic drivers… I hope to follow in their footsteps and make it to F1.”