The Autosport Awards have long been one of the biggest nights on the motorsports calendar. Last night, hundreds of guests — including Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan, Mercedes-AMG’s Kimi Antonelli, F1 power couple Susie and Toto Wolff, Bernie Ecclestone, and more — packed into the legendary Roundhouse in Camden, London to celebrate the 75th anniversary of both Formula 1 and Autosport. And, of course, all the night’s big winners at the 2025 Autosport Awards, presented by Qiddiya.
Hosts Dermot O'Leary and Lee McKenzie led the show, which honored the past — Bernie Ecclestone received a lifetime achievement award — while looking to the future by awarding British Formula 4 champion Deagen Fairclough with the Silverstone Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year, the night’s biggest prize. (Literally, it came with a giant £200,000 check.) Past winners include the likes of Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris . The 18-year-old Fairclough beat fellow finalists Arvid Lindblad, Louis Sharp and Freddie Slater, but gave the trio a shout-out during his emotional acceptance speech.
It was also a big night for McLaren, with the papaya team’s MCL38 winning International Competition Car of the Year Award. Team principal Andrea Stella took Autosport’s Person of the Year after leading the Woking-based outfit to victory in the constructors' championship for the first time since 1998, while Lando Norris picked up British Competition Driver of the Year for the third time. "Last year was a strong year, but I hope this year is going to be even better,” he said in a video message broadcast on the big screen.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen added two more victories to his belt, taking Autosport Awards for International Racing Driver of the Year (for the fourth consecutive year) and Moment of the Year for his commanding drive in wet conditions at the Brazilian Grand Prix. “That Sunday in Brazil, it was a very up and down rollercoaster of emotions … the race was something that I'll never forget,” he said in a video message, thanking Autosport and Motorsport readers around the world for their votes.
2025 also marked the first time fans were invited to attend the show, which moved to the historic music venue in London’s inner north. The lucky group shared a room with F1 legends like Sir Jackie Stewart, Martin Brundle, and Damon Hill, along with F1 team principals Christian Horner, Zak Brown, and Laurent Mekies, and the top talent in F1 Academy. Speaking of, the series’ top drivers won special awards for their own amazing years.
Abbi Pulling took home honors for her drivers championship, along with Doriane Pin (second) and Maya Weug (third). “It’s been such a dream of a year and it means so much because the series provides the champion a fully funded 2025 seat, which for me is priceless, and without that support I wouldn’t continue,” Pulling said on stage.
After the awards presentation, the party lit up as Mel C (“Christian Horner’s favorite Spice Girl,” O’Leary joked) took to the DJ booth. Sponsor Peroni kept the beer flowing, VIPs relaxed in the Qiddiya Lounge upstairs, and the dance floor shouted along to a thumping remix of “Spice Up Your Life.” Turns out the biggest night in motorsports is the most fun one, too.
