George Russell has been crowned the latest victor of the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Award.
The success caps off a sensational first season of car racing for the 16 year old, who emerged from a thrilling title battle as the 2014 BRDC Formula 4 champion.
Russell overcame Alexander Albon, Sennan Fielding, Seb Morris, Ben Barnicoat and Harrison Scott to become the 26th and youngest ever recipient of the award.
The finalists were all subjected to a tough evaluation process at Silverstone which included on-track tests in a McLaren 650S GT3, Mercedes DTM machine and a Formula Two single-seater.
Russell wins £100,000, a McLaren Formula 1 test, full BRDC membership and an Arai GP-6 RC carbon helmet, joining a roll call of winners that includes Jenson Button, Dario Franchitti and Paul Di Resta.
“I’m lost for words; it’s been a long wait since the two day test,” said Russell. “A number of amazing drivers have won this award in the past and gone on to do fantastic things so I hope I can do the same as them.”
