FIA Gala Night:Champions Crowned in Tashkent

On Friday evening in Tashkent, the FIA Gala took place at the Humo Arena, marking the conclusion of the motorsport year. The event focused on drivers and teams who achieved success across the various series under the federation’s umbrella.

The ceremony opened with traditional national dances, followed by the awards presentation. Senna van Walstijn was crowned champion in KZ karting, Lucas Moraes and Edouard Boulanger secured titles in rally raids, Johan Kristoffersson claimed his eighth WRC championship, while Porsche and Oliver Rowland triumphed in Formula E. The “Rookie of the Year” award went to Rafael Camara, the Formula 3 champion, who sent a video message from Formula 2 testing. The audience warmly welcomed Sébastien Ogier and the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT team, as well as the WEC champions Ferrari and its drivers Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi. In Formula 2, the title was claimed by Leonardo Fornaroli.

The highlight of the evening was the celebration of McLaren and Lando Norris for the Constructors’ Championship and the Drivers’ World Title. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem presented the trophy to Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, and Andrea Stella, Team Principal. Brown thanked the team and drivers for an extraordinary season, while Stella emphasized the contribution of the drivers, which allowed the team to focus on the races.

Oscar Piastri acknowledged that the season had its ups and downs, and Max Verstappen, unable to attend due to illness, sent a video message congratulating the winners. Lando Norris warmly thanked his team and rivals, reflected on his journey from karting to Formula 1, and noted that the season had been filled with emotions, with many challenges and opportunities still ahead.