Verstappen Claims “Action of the Year” Award Despite Missing FIA Gala
Max Verstappen has snagged the F1 Action of the Year award at the 2025 FIA Awards ceremony in Uzbekistan, despite not being able to attend due to illness.
The Red Bull driver’s award-winning move came at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where he pulled off a stunning overtake on McLaren’s Oscar Piastri during the opening lap at Imola.
He beat out both Lando Norris and Oliver Bearman for the honor.
Norris had been nominated for his defensive masterclass against teammate Piastri in Austria, while rookie sensation Bearman made the shortlist for his bold move on Verstappen himself during the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The four-time world champion might not have claimed this year’s drivers’ title, but this award shows he hasn’t lost his aggressive edge on track.
Despite his absence from the gala, Verstappen sent a classy message to Norris and the McLaren team congratulating them on their title successes. The 28-year-old also took time to congratulate FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem on his re-election in Tashkent.
Verstappen seemed genuinely pleased about pushing Norris all the way to the season finale, even though he ultimately came up short in the championship battle.
He’s already looking ahead to 2026, expressing excitement about what’s to come with the new regulations.
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