While other major sporting events – such as the World Cup, Wimbledon and the Superbowl – culminate in the silverware being handed out at the end of the event, F1 has always done things differently.
Its regulations have long stipulated that the champions are only crowned at the FIA Prize Gala which takes place at the end of the season. It is mandatory for drivers that finished in the top three of the standings to attend.
F1’s booming audience and desire to attract new fans has prompted some calls for a change of approach – and that the trophy gets given out to the driver on the night that when the title is secured.
Were this in place now, then Max Verstappen would have got his hands on the award in Qatar on Saturday night after he finally put the 2023 title to bed.
But FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has poured cold water on the idea of a change of approach and says there are very good reasons why the F1 champion must wait.
Source: Autosport