Motorsport Royalty Honoured in Rwanda
FIA Honours 2024 Motorsport Champions in Historic Kigali Ceremony
The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) hosted its prestigious 2024 Prize Giving Ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda, marking the first time the event has been held on the African continent. This landmark occasion brought together the brightest stars from across the motorsport world to celebrate the standout achievements of an unforgettable season.
The evening opened with a tribute to grassroots motorsport — karting — where McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris presented the junior world title trophy to rising star Kenzo Craigie, underscoring the sport’s future talent pipeline.
One of the ceremony’s key highlights was the recognition of Gabriel Bortoleto, who claimed the Formula 2 title in his debut season. The young Brazilian was named “Rookie of the Year” and received his award from four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, cementing his rapid rise through the ranks.
In endurance racing, Porsche Penske Motorsport drivers Kevin Estre, André Lotterer, and Laurens Vanthoor were awarded for their triumph in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) — a fiercely contested category in global motorsport.
The FIA also introduced a new honour this year — the “Historic Achievement Award” — which was presented to rally legend Michele Mouton. A pioneering figure in the sport, Mouton’s victories during the 1980s were celebrated with a moving tribute from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who praised her groundbreaking impact on rallying and motorsport as a whole.
Following the recognition of champions in Formula 3 and Formula 2, the spotlight turned to the stars of Formula1, who took the stage to resounding applause.
Three-time World Rally-Raid Champion Nasser Al-Attiyah accepted his latest title and proudly displayed his race car on stage.World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson made a dramatic entrance by arriving in his rallycross machine, showcasing the passion and spectacle that define his discipline.
Formula E World Champion Pascal Wehrlein, sidelined due to injury, was unable to attend in person but shared his gratitude in a heartfelt video message played during the ceremony.
Among the night’s most anticipated moments was the appearance of Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), Lando Norris (McLaren), and reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen — all welcomed with a standing ovation.
Leclerc, who secured third place in the drivers' standings, reflected on his emotional victories in Monaco and Monza. Norris, the runner-up, remained on stage after receiving his individual trophy to join teammate Oscar Piastri, Team Principal Andrea Stella, and McLaren CEO Zak Brown in accepting the Constructors’ Trophy, celebrating McLaren’s stellar campaign in 2024.
Although Sergio Perez was not in attendance, he earned the “Moment of the Year” award for his daring double overtake on Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz during the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race — a move that electrified fans and pundits alike.
The evening concluded with a nod to motorsport’s past and future as former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone was presented with the “President’s Innovation Award”, recognising his transformative influence on the global reach and commercial development of the sport.
The 2024 FIA Prize Giving Ceremony in Kigali not only celebrated sporting excellence but also marked a powerful step forward in motorsport’s journey towards greater global inclusivity, heritage, and innovation.
