Verstappen is named International Racing Driver of the Year by Autosport

The Red Bull star won a record-breaking 15 races in 2022, clinching his second world title with four rounds remaining. Verstappen was named the best racing driver in 2022 by Autosport readers, ahead of primary F1 opponent Charles Leclerc, IndyCar champion Will Power, and Formula E champion Stoffel Vandoorne. Verstappen’s triumph was announced at the Autosport Awards on Park Lane on December 4th. “Thank you to all the fans who voted for me for the second time in a row, which coincided with my second world championship in a row,” Verstappen said in a video message. “After a rocky start to the year, it took a true team effort to turn things around.” All of the team’s hard work, including some of the folks sitting with you at the awards tonight, deserves a great thank you. Good night, and I’ll see you on the track in 2023.”

Running since 1982

Since 1982, the award has been open to professional racing drivers competing on an international level. Verstappen has won the award for the second time in a row. Former winners include F1 world champions Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Mika Hakkinen, and Sebastian Vettel, as well as Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Jenson Button, and Lewis Hamilton.

British Competition Driver of the Year, Rookie of the Year, International Racing Car of the Year presented by Blink Experience, Rally Car of the Year, International Rally Driver of the Year, National Driver of the Year, and Esports Driver of the Year presented by Motorsport Games are among the other categories decided by fan voting. The Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award, the Gold Medal for lifelong legacy, the Gregor Grant Award for lifetime achievement, Motorsport Promoter of the Year, and Motorsport Games Esports Team of the Year are also presented by professional judging panels. Bang & Olufsen Moment of the Year and Autosport Williams Engineer of the Future are two awards that have returned for 2022.