Formula One news

Hamilton sweeps Autosport awards

Lewis Hamilton may have narrowly missed out on this year's Formula One world title, but the reception he received at the Autosport Awards last night was a champion's. The 22 year-old arrived at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane behind the wheel of a £300,000 McLaren Mercedes SLR roadster to collect prizes for Best British Competition Driver, Best International Racing Driver and Rookie of the Year. 

Hamilton was left speechless after a moving presentation by Viviane Senna, sister of Lewis' hero Ayrton, who flew to the Awards from Sao Paulo especially to congratulate Britain's racing star. "He reminds me of Ayrton, as a pilot. And he has the same kindness in his eyes", she said. 

This wasn't the first time Lewis was honoured at the glamorous Autosport Awards, for back in 1995 ten year-old Lewis was up on stage to collect more silverware.

"I'm just as nervous standing up here now as I was then", said Lewis. "This has been an incredible year for me. To get to my first grand prix and get on the podium was amazing, and it just got better and better. By the mid-point of the season I realized I had a chance and that I shouldn't mess around". 

Despite conceding the championship to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, the McLaren driver was philosophical. "You have to lose to learn how to win. We'll be right there next year."

more news

• 09 Jan.
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  • Toro Rosso confirm Buemi
  • Technical reshuffle at Red Bull
  • Klien still optimistic of race seat
  • Kubica named Polish sports personality of the year
  • Richards out of Honda running
  • Donington gains planning permission
• 08 Jan.
  • FOTA agrees cost-cutting plans
  • De la Rosa still aiming for race seat in F1
  • A dozen parties interested in Honda
  • Mosley not done yet with cost cuttings
• 07 Jan.
  • Ecclestone reveals September deadline for Donington
  • Ferrari willing to supply 'Honda' with engines
  • Brawn says Honda won't test before season
• 06 Jan.
  • Ferrari to use electronic pitstop system in 2009
  • Kubica to start karting team
  • Webber's recovery going well
  • Ferrari to reveal new car next week
  • Stewart hits out at Ecclestone and Mosley
• 05 Jan.
  • Red Bull's RB5 to debut in February
  • Suspended sentence and fine for Verstappen
  • Berger confirms Buemi for STR
• 04 Jan.
  • Kubica expecting more accidents
• 03 Jan.
  • Encouraging news for Donington
• 02 Jan.
  • Di Resta still hopeful of F1 drive
  • "Title loss would have damaged Hamilton's reputation"
• 01 Jan.
  • Hakkinen supports medals system
• 31 Dec. '08
  • Kubica: Next year is a big challenge
  • Hakkinen: Vettel will soon be a Formula 1 champion
  • Hamilton receives MBE award
  • Heidfeld expects more accidents in 2009
• 30 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to join Madame Tussauds
  • Ecclestone: Button should take a sabbatical
  • Manager: Alonso would love to join Ferrari one day
  • Changes at Toro Rosso
• 29 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to miss victory parade in Woking
  • Alonso to join Ferrari in 2011?
  • Mexican billionaire denies Honda bid
• 28 Dec. '08
  • Mexican buyer for Honda?
• 27 Dec. '08
  • F1 drivers positive on Algarve circuit

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