Max Verstappen earns nomination for prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award after F1 2021 title triumph


Max Verstappen earns nomination for prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award after F1 2021 title triumph

Current reigning world champion Max Verstappen

Red Bull driver and 2021 Formula One champion Max Verstappen has recently been nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year. This is an annual award honouring the achievements of individual men from the world of sports and is frequently referred to as the sporting equivalent of “Oscars”.

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Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen shared an epic rivalry during the 2021 Formula One season. The two drivers went head to head on multiple occasions and even shared some dramatic clashes. Their rivalry pinnacled in the last race in Abu Dhabi where Verstappen overtook Hamilton claiming his maiden World Championship title after a controversial ruling.

Fellow title rival Hamilton was nominated for the award on seven different occasions in 2009, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2021 and has won the prize in 2020. Other Formula One drivers who have aced the award are 4-time Champion Sebastian Vettel and 7-time World Champion Micheal Schumacher.

Also Read: “My purpose is more than just winning World Championships,” Lewis Hamilton…

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Why Max Verstappen is nominated for the award?

Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen

With his win in the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, he became the youngest-ever driver and the first Dutch driver to win a Formula One Grand Prix. And his 2021 title sees him become the first Dutch driver to win the F1 World Championship.

In a short message, the Dutchman conveyed his regards on receiving the award. His video message read, “I am incredibly honoured to be voted a nominee Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award. And I want to say a big thank you to all the media for voting for me.”

Verstappen started his 2016 campaign with Toro Rosso before being promoted to parent team Red Bull Racing. He is due to remain at Red Bull until at least the end of the 2028 season after signing a contract extension. He has achieved 20 victories, 13 pole positions and 60 podium finishes across his Formula One career.

Also Read: “It’s not just being a racing driver,” Lewis Hamilton reflects on…

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