Lewis Hamilton has received the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy from MSA Chief Executive Rob Jones at Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix.
The Hawthorn Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the most successful British or Commonwealth driver in the previous year’s FIA Formula 1 Worlds Drivers Championship.
It was first presented by the Hawthorn family in memory of Mike Hawthorn, who became Britain’s first Formula 1 World Champion in 1958 but tragically died before being able to defend his title.
Hamilton dedicated the award to the fans, “I’m going to accept it on behalf of all the fans because, really honestly, I wouldn’t be standing here doing what I do and what I love, and doing it with the love that I do it with, if it wasn’t for these guys who turn up not only this weekend but throughout the whole year.”
The three-time World Champion was cheered by thousands of fans as he lifted the award aloft, the Mercedes driver has driven superbly over the past year winning his third Championship.
Jones congratulated Hamilton on the award for the second year in a row, “This is the second year in a row that we’ve presented the Hawthorn Trophy to Lewis and on both occasions it’s been clear what it means to him.
“It’s a magnificent piece of silverware, full of history and with so many great names engraved on its base. It remains the perfect way to remember Mike Hawthorn – our first world champion and another great legend of the sport.”
Hamilton won 10 Grand Prix on the way to the 2015 World Championship and continues to be recognised for his driving ability, having now won the award five times.
