The British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) celebrated motor racing achievements of 2008 in some-style today (Monday), when it hosted the BRDC Annual Awards Luncheon at a star-studded event at The Café Royal in London. The lunchtime ceremony was attended by motor racing’s finest, and the Club was deeply honoured to welcome The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, as a distinguished guest to present Lewis Hamilton with one of his awards - the Richard Seaman Trophy.
It was another successful afternoon for the recently crowned Formula 1 World Champion. Hamilton joined fellow British F1 World Champions Nigel Mansell OBE and Damon Hill OBE for a brief photo call, before receiving a standing ovation as he collected no fewer than five awards - including his second and third BRDC Gold Stars, presented to him by ten-time BRDC Gold Star winner, Sir Stirling Moss OBE.
Hamilton’s arrival at The Café Royal was eagerly anticipated and, once on stage, he spoke openly about his remarkable Championship-winning season, the challenges he faces next year, and his enthusiasm for being a Member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club.
On presenting Hamilton with his award The Prime Minister said, “On behalf of the whole of the British people, it is a privilege to be able to present this award to Lewis Hamilton, for his great successes this year and for the years to come, in a great sport that makes us so proud of Britain. Lewis Hamilton is a true world champion.”
However, Hamilton wasn’t the only driver being celebrated at the prestigious Awards ceremony. Having received his BRDC Gold Stars from Sir Stirling, the McLaren driver then turned the tables on the iconic British driver. On behalf of his fellow BRDC Members, Hamilton bestowed a unique honour on a surprised Moss, inviting him to become the Club’s first ‘Vice President For Life’. The position, in recognition of his sixty years of membership and all that he has done for the BRDC during that time, was duly accepted by Sir Stirling.
Prior to presenting Sir Stirling with the honour, Hamilton commented, “Not a day has gone by in the last sixty years when you have not worn the Club badge on either your lapel, tie or overalls. You have been the ultimate ambassador and utterly dedicated and loyal to the BRDC and all that it stands for. Our Club wishes you to accept, with immediate effect, the position of the Club’s first Vice President For Life.”
British Touring Car Championship driver Jason Plato was also in attendance to receive the BRDC’s highest national racing accolade, the BRDC Silver Star. David Coulthard, who recently announced his retirement from Formula 1, was presented with The Earl Howe Trophy for his meritorious podium finish at the Canadian Grand Prix.
A further highlight of the day was the presentation of the BRDC Gold Medal to Vodafone McLaren F1 Team Principal Ron Dennis. This was only the ninth such Medal to be presented by the Club since the award’s inception in 1996.
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