F1 News: Max Verstappen Misses Out On Prestigious Award Despite Insane 2023 Season
Despite an extraordinary season where Max Verstappen clinched 19 victories in 22 Grands Prix, he did not secure the BBC’s World Sports Star of the Year award. This outcome highlights the intense competition in the world of sports beyond the Formula 1 tracks.
Key Takeaways:
- Historic Performance Unmatched: Max Verstappen’s 2023 season was one for the history books, with an astounding 19 wins out of 22 races. His performance with the Red Bull team not only broke several records but also underscored his exceptional talent and dominance in Formula 1.
- Missed Award Opportunity: In spite of his monumental success and clinching his third championship title, Verstappen was overlooked for the BBC’s World Sports Star of the Year award. This accolade was instead awarded to Erling Haaland, in recognition of his key role in Manchester City’s treble victory.
- Diverse Competition: The nomination of Verstappen for this award saw him pitted against athletes from a variety of sports. Despite his previous indifference to multi-sport awards, his inclusion among legends like Simone Biles and Novak Djokovic signifies the high regard for his achievements.
Max Verstappen’s performance in the 2023 Formula 1 season was nothing short of spectacular. Dominating the tracks, he led Red Bull to an almost unchallenged position in the sport. His 19 victories out of 22 races set a new benchmark in Formula 1, with the team losing only the Singapore Grand Prix. This phenomenal success, however, was not mirrored in the BBC’s World Sports Star of the Year award.
Erling Haaland, the Norwegian football prodigy, claimed the prestigious award for his significant role in Manchester City’s treble win – a triumph comprising the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola’s leadership, also received accolades for Team of the Year and Coach of the Year. Haaland, expressing his gratitude, said: “This another huge honour for me and I am very proud to have been named the BBC World Sport Star of the Year… To be recognised in this way by everyone who enjoys sport is a very special feeling and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me.”
Verstappen, often ambivalent about awards that compare athletes from different disciplines, found himself in a diverse pool of nominees. Alongside him were notables like Simone Biles, Siya Kolisi, Aitana Bonmati, and Novak Djokovic. This nomination itself is a testament to his extraordinary achievements in Formula 1, even as the award eluded him. His relentless pursuit of excellence on the racetrack continues to captivate fans worldwide, underscoring his status as a modern-day Formula 1 legend.
