Max Verstappen officially crowned four-time world champion

The 2024 FIA Awards Gala, celebrating the year’s motorsport champions in grand fashion, took place yesterday in Kigali, Rwanda, marking a historic moment as the ceremony was held in Africa for the first time.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was the star of the evening, receiving his world champion trophy for an impressive fourth consecutive season. Ahead of the event, Verstappen visited the FIA Affordable Car camp as part of his community service.

McLaren’s Lando Norris made his debut on the gala stage, proudly accepting the runner-up trophy—his first in Formula 1. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc followed by taking the third-place trophy, adding another strong season to his record.

McLaren receives the Constructors' Championship trophy

After Verstappen was officially crowned this year’s world champion, McLaren stole the spotlight as Zak Brown and Andrea Stella accepted the Constructors’ Championship trophy, ending the team’s 26-year wait for the title.

FIA Action of the Year

The gala also featured several special awards, with recipients unveiled during the ceremony, including the coveted Action of the Year.

Among the standout winners, Formula 1’s Sergio Perez claimed the award for his exceptional double overtake on Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz during the Chinese GP sprint. 

Other winners included Kenzo Craigie in Karting for a bold pass at PF International, Loic Mindaudier and Mathieu Serradori in Rally-Raid for their sportsmanship during Dakar 2024, and Klara Andersson in World Rallycross for her strategic Joker lap in Hungary.

In Formula E, Sam Bird was honored for his decisive pass on Mitch Evans at the Sao Paulo E-Prix, while Julien Andlauer’s daring move at Eau Rouge in the World Endurance Championship’s 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps earned him the accolade. Adrien Fourmaux took the WRC award for an impressive high jump and landing in the Safari Rally.

FIA Rookie of the Year

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the FIA Rookie of the Year award, which went to Gabriel Bortoleto.

The Brazilian driver earned this honor after an impressive first season in Formula 2, where he won just two races but thanks to his consistency managed to fightback against Isack Hadjar to claim the title.

This prompted the Drivers’ Commission to choose him for the award, recognizing his strong debut performance only a year after securing his F3 title.

Bortoleto now joins a group of famous past winners, including F1 stars like Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, and Yuki Tsunoda, who earned the title in his last F2 season before joining F1 as well.