Hamilton wins Hawthorn Trophy for 11th time in 15 years

The prestigious prize is awarded to the to most successful Commonwealth driver in the F1 world championship each year. 

It is named after Britain’s first world champion, Mike Hawthorn, who died in a road accident three months after winning the title. 

It marks the eighth year in a row Hamilton has been awarded the trophy, despite missing out on a record-breaking eighth world title to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. 

Hamilton claimed a total of eight victories throughout 2021 but lost the championship in hugely controversial circumstances at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after FIA race director Michael Masi did not correctly apply the rules during a late Safety Car period.

Hamilton was announced as the winner during Motorsport Uk’s ‘Night of Champions’ at the Royal Automobile Club in London, adding to his previous wins in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2008 and 2007. 

And finally, to @LewisHamilton, the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy as the highest-placed Commonwealth driver in last season's @F1 World Championship #OurMotorsportUK #NightofChampions pic.twitter.com/NtXXmZYJvb

— Motorsport UK (@ourmotorsportuk) January 22, 2022

The only times Hamilton has missed out on the award was in 2009 and 2011 when former McLaren teammate Jenson Button won, and in 2010 and 2013 when Mark Webber came out on top.  

Hamilton is four wins clear of Nigel Mansell on the all-time winners list. 

The other Commonwealth drivers on the 2021 F1 grid were fellow Brits Lando Norris and George Russell, Australian Daniel Ricciardo, and Canadian pair Lance Stroll and Nicholas Latifi.