FIA celebrate the launch of the Hall of Fame

"We all know Michael should be here and I am totally sure he would love to be here," she commented. "He always had the highest respect for everyone in this room and he would be very honoured. What made Michael so special, what made him so successful was, as with everybody in this room, a love and passion for this sport."

Double world champion Alonso said that he was very proud to be gathered in the same room as some of his heroes he grew up watching. The Spaniard won his two world championships over a decade ago, when he was racing for Renault.

"It has been a fantastic night. I’m very honoured to be here with these great champions. All of them inspired me to become a Formula 1 driver, they inspired all the kids of my generation, so I feel very proud," he said.

Fergal Walsh