Hamilton awarded with prestigious Hawthorn Memorial Trophy
Last Friday, during the 'Night of the Champions' gala in London, Lewis Hamilton has been awarded with the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy for being the most successful British or Commonwealth driver of 2007. Previous winners include Nigel Mansell, David Coulthard and Jenson Button.
Lewis was presented with the coveted Hawthorn Memorial Trophy on Friday evening at the Motor Sports Association`s Night of Champions at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall.�
Lewis received the trophy from MSA Chairman Alan Gow and received a standing ovation from the 150 invited guests representing the best of British motor sport, including former Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill, reigning and three-time world touring car champion Andy Priaulx and all the champions of British motor sport`s domestic 2007 season.
The Hawthorn Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the most successful British or Commonwealth driver in the FIA Formula One World Championship. It was first presented by the Hawthorn family in memory of Mike Hawthorn, who became Britain`s first Formula One World Champion in 1958 but tragically died a year later. Hamilton is the 18th driver to win the Hawthorn trophy, but the first to do so in his maiden year of Formula 1 competition.
"Lewis` arrival on the F1 scene last season made a huge impact, capturing the public`s imagination not only in this country but around the world," commented Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association. "His performances have given us a great platform on which to raise the profile and develop the sport in this country. We were delighted that he was able to join us at the Night of Champions in order to receive the award.
"The British motor sport scene is still the best in the world as illustrated by the fact that no fewer than nine of last year`s F1 grid cut their teeth in our championships. The MSA is committed to securing increased British representation at the highest level of motor sport and as a result we are continuing to invest substantial funds into both the Race Elite programme and its sister operation in rallying. We hope that in the coming years, many of these young drivers will graduate to F1 and race at the highest level."
