Verstappen wins Personality of the Year for third consecutive time

  • Published on 09 Dec 2017 12:49
  • 8
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Max Verstappen has once again wrapped up the prize of Personality of the Year at the FIA Prize Giving gala in Paris. It is the third year in a row that the Dutchman has claimed the prize, having also secured it in 2015 and 2016.

Verstappen debuted in F1 back in 2015 and dazzled spectators with his speed and overtaking abilities at 17 years of age. After a promotion to Red Bull in 2016, he has since won three Grands Prix. However, his 2017 campaign hasn't been easy, with a number of reliability issues hampering him early on in the year.

"It is great that I have again received this prize from the FIA, it is a very nice recognition," the Dutchman said. "With my two wins, of course, it was a pretty positive season. We did have a difficult start with too many problems. In this sense, it was important to remain positive even in difficult times. After the dropouts, it was nice to win the race in Malaysia. That was my highlight of the season.

2018 will be Verstappen's fourth year in the sport and his third year at Red Bull. After the team was left disappointed by its position relative to its rivals in 2017, Verstappen is confident that it will be much stronger next season.

"I feel at home with Red Bull Racing," he stated. "It is a great team and the collaboration is going well. Hopefully we can make another step forward next year. We are working hard to be there from the beginning. I am already looking forward to the new season."

Replies (8)

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  • He is a good driver, but personality of the year? Daniel Ricciardo has a distinct personality. Lewis Hamilton, even if I dont agree with it, has a distinct personality. Romain Grosjean has a distinct "I didnt do that, they ran into me"personality. I sorta havent noticed Max' personality very much. Mind, it might be good, fond of the drivers that just dig into it and drive and drive well, but still.

    • + 3
    • Dec 9 2017 - 13:19
    • Personality of the Year is to do with on-track, not off it

      • + 0
      • Dec 9 2017 - 17:30
    • My point stand either way. I just find that there are drivers who tend to be of more distinct characteristics both on and off track than him.

      • + 0
      • Dec 9 2017 - 17:53
    • boudy

      Posts: 1,168

      In some way I agree with @calle.itw however there were so many incidents that involved max. For me the standout incident that showed so much was when he had his trophy taken away in the drivers room again. There were so many more...

      But just on personality: RIC HAM KMAG ALO even RAI VETTEL BOTTAS have a shout. It was a great year for the drama around F1.

      I don't think that anyone is really bothered about this price the moment of the awards really belonged to BILLY presented by HAM.

      • + 0
      • Dec 10 2017 - 07:37
    • Its a good point Boudy, and I agree that it was a good year for F1 drama.

      • + 0
      • Dec 10 2017 - 09:25
  • Barron

    Posts: 625

    Mag should have walked that. Who next year, Jean Todt? ?

    • + 0
    • Dec 10 2017 - 09:37
    • The charmer himself? Naturally! His outstanding charisma should've earned him that award long ago. I mean look at him. Listen to him. He puts A in awesome. XD

      • + 0
      • Dec 10 2017 - 11:43
  • Obviously he's a better driver than in 2016, but I'd say there were much more impressive drives in 2016 too. The Malaysia win was dominant but boring, very boring. This award should have been Ocon's but, he made too many mistakes while racing Perez.

    • + 0
    • Dec 11 2017 - 19:15

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