Teen amputee driver walks on stage at FIA awards
Billy Monger lost both his legs in a horrific crash earlier this year, but earned a standing ovation with an inspirational feat at the annual FIA awards.
In a night that was supposed to honour F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, it was Monger stealing the show.
The 18-year-old had to have both legs amputated after slamming into the back of a stationary car in an F4 race in April.
In one of his first public appearances since the accident, Monger used his prosthetics and crutches to walk by himself into the stage to collect the President's Award from FIA boss Jean Todt.
The award honours those who have "displayed courage, determination and sportsmanship but to also include those that have contributed greatly to the broader FIA community."
#FIAPrizeGiving - @BillyMonger receive a standing ovation from the motorsport community at the 2017 FIA Prize Giving 👏 #motorsport #racing pic.twitter.com/gTF6oyaMSH
— FIA (@fia) December 8, 2017
Todt also presented Hamilton with his fourth world title.
"This has been an amazing year," Hamilton told the audience.
A lovely moment between Billy Monger and Lewis Hamilton on stage #BillyWhizz pic.twitter.com/CeEoYpwBqL
— GPUpdate.net (@GPUpdate) December 8, 2017
"I hope that next year's an even better year for all of you. I know for me that I'm going to try to do better."
Hamilton won nine of 20 races in 2017 and set an all-time record of 72 career pole positions as well as scoring points in every grand prix.
Red Bull's 20-year-old Dutch driver Max Verstappen beat a field that included Hamilton and his own Australian teammate Daniel Ricciardo to the 'Personality of the Year" award for the third successive year.
The award is selected by permanently accredited media from all FIA championships.
"I always try to be honest and straightforward so I guess that gave me the personality again this year," said the winner of two races in 2017.
"It was a hard season but I learnt a lot from it."
with agencies