FIA-Prize Giving: Verstappen receives The Trophy

On the night, Jean Todt's final engagement as FIA President was tinged with emotion as the Frenchman brought a close to this chapter of his life but made it clear he is not riding into the sunset.

The night belonged to the Champions of international FIA championships and, of course, the 2021 Formula 1 World Champions: Max Verstappen for the drivers' title, the 24-year-olds first. and Mercedes for the constructors' championship, their eighth in a row.

In the absence of team principal Toto Wolff, showing solidarity for his defeated driver Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes technical boss James Allison had the honour of picking up the award.

Verstappen, accompanied by his partner Kelly Piquet, was radiant as he received his trophy thanking his father Jos Verstappen, his family and team while commending his rival Hamilton as a great.

The Dutchman added, "To come away with the championship is insane in a way, an incredible season, I really loved it. It has been an incredible battle with Lewis, you know one of the greatest drivers ever in F1.

"I think we pushed each other to the limit, sometimes over the limit but that is also part of racing. But at the end of the day, we really respect each other, that is very important. Especially after the race how, even how painful it is, we looked each other in the eyes and the respect was there.

"I can't wait also for next year, to come back and for sure again to fight again," added Verstappen.

The Awards ceremony acknowledged the winners of the various championships organised by the FIA, as well as the new generation, the unsung heroes and those who have made an outstanding contribution to motorsport.

Notably, on the night, Hamilton - who finished second in the championship, was not present which could get him in hot water as Article 6.6 the Regulations state: "The drivers finishing first, second and third in the Championship must be present at the annual FIA Prize Giving ceremony.”

Valterri Bottas, who drove his last race for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, finished third in the Championship and was there to pick up his trophy.