That was the 2020 FIA gala!

(Motorsport-Total.com) – The FIA ​​Gala is usually the glamorous finale to every Formula 1 season. The program is the same every year: in the afternoon there is a press conference with all the motorsport world champions , and in the evening pilots, crew chiefs, officials and journalists dress up in tuxedos to dine in a festive atmosphere and clap when the stars receive their World Cup trophy on their field.

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Corinna Schumacher accepted the award on behalf of Michael Focus

But in Corona 2020 everything is different, so the gala on Friday could not unfold as planned in Munich, but the organizers had to be somewhat creative and put together a coherent show through videoconferences. Only a few protagonists, Corinna Schumacher for example, were personally at the Geneva hotel where the evening was recorded.

Host Nicki Shields and Le Mans legend Tom Kristensen took the stage and led the awards ceremony. A branch was established at the Monaco Automobile Club. Many motorsport stars live in Monte Carlo; In this sense, it made sense to give them the opportunity to smile for the webcam in an exclusive environment not far from where they live.

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton sat in front of a wall of trophies at the Mercedes factory in Brackley, at first very casually during the press conference, then, appropriately for the occasion, in a black suit. festive.

FIA World Champion lit from strange places

Since it was not really possible for journalists to speak meaningfully with the world champions due to the busy schedule at the World Championships, as was the case in previous years, the focus was on entertaining details on the edge of a somewhat strange, but well managed end of season under the circumstances.

For example, Formula E champion Antonio Félix da Costa delivered his PK world championship via mobile phone from the plane, which meant it was difficult to hear from time to time when the pilot was making an announcement. Or world rallycross champion Johan Krisoffersson, obviously looking for peace and quiet in a parking lot on the sidelines of a WRX event with the full sponsor team.

Valtteri Bottas went directly to the press conference at the Monaco Automobile Club, where he was for the gala. “It’s right next to where I live,” he smiles. And Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff used his right not to reveal where he was to recharge the batteries.

Verstappen: Nobody cares where I am!

Max Verstappen reacted somewhat harshly to our question from where he was speaking to the media. “You want to know what I’m doing tonight and during my vacation?” He laughed at our editor-in-chief’s question. “Would you like to come with me? Let me know. Maybe I can send you a video or photos from my winter break.”

In fact, he did when, a few hours later, he tweeted a photo of himself getting out of his white Honda company car in Monaco (very sporty with red-painted brake calipers) and, like Bottas, the official part from the automobile club there He witnessed the gala.

Raikkonen: a fun moment at every FIA gala

The gala itself had several highlights. One of them was, how could it be otherwise, Kimi Raikkonen. The “slightly drunk” appearance of the “Iceman” a few years ago in St. Petersburg is a cult among Formula 1 fans. In 2020 he was awarded the Action of the Year award.

“Now they have invented a new trophy especially so that I can at least get something,” wonders the Alfa Romeo veteran, unaware that the action of the year has long been recognized. By the way, the reason for the award was his fabulous first lap at the Portimao Grand Prix.

Goosebumps later on FIA President Jean Todt’s honorary award, which was awarded three times in 2020. Lewis Hamilton was honored for his social commitment. He was the driving force behind the “End Racism” campaign and founded the Hamilton Commission on the fight against racism.

“I have always been alone in this sport. I have never met another black family. I have been in Formula 1 for 14 years, but nothing has changed in terms of diversity,” he said. “When I asked the leaders of our sport why there is not more diversity in Formula 1, they could not answer me.”

That is why he founded the commission and attracted attention with various actions. For the 35-year-old, however, it is important “that we not only make the symbolic gestures that we have done throughout the year, but that we act. I am in a good mood that we can make a difference together with the FIA ​​and Formula 1” . . “

Corinna Schumacher accepts honorary award

Another honorary award was awarded to Michael Schumacher. For his tireless commitment to the FIA’s road safety campaigns, for his contribution to the establishment of the ICM (Center for Research on Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases in Paris) and for his charitable work.

Schumacher’s willingness to donate was mentioned as representative – he is said to have donated more than $ 20 million to charity over the years. Your donation of ten million at the ZDF donation gala for the victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia is particularly well remembered.

More recently, the Keep-Fighting Foundation was established in his name, which is also committed to charitable causes. For example, the foundation donated 5,000 Schumacher-style helmets to an FIA institute so that two-wheelers in developing countries around the world have access to affordable helmets.

As “Schumi” could not receive the honorary award himself, his wife Corinna did. It was one of the most moving moments of the night when she said that her Michael loved running. He didn’t need any special boost for that, it was just there. He was always motivated because he loved racing so much.

“Michael has a big heart for people in need. That’s what he thinks,” he emphasizes. “It was a pleasure for him to do all of these things. With Keep-Fighting-Foundation we want to continue the things he started.”

Grosjean: “I will be eternally grateful to Jules”

Romain Grosjean, the survivor of the Bahrain fire accident, who was connected from home with a huge headset, provided another goosebump moment. In the background her children could be heard frolicking, almost as if the accident had never happened. Experts are sure that it would not have survived without Halo.

The former Halo opponent is now ready to admit that: “Yes, I was stupid. Now I can say that I would never drive a race car without Halo again. I am very happy to admit that it was wrong to be against Halo. It is one of the best. safety features introduced in Formula 1. Without Halo, I couldn’t be here today. “

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Romain Grosjean again thanked his lifeguards Focus

He is still burned, he says, and seeing the images still playing on the large video wall in Geneva “is very difficult for me.” At the same time, however, he is “proud” to see again and again those helpers who have saved his life with their own lives.

“I can talk to my assistants today and I can thank them every time I meet them,” said Grosjean, who at the time also thought of Jules Bianchi: “Halo showed up because of Jules’ accident. I will be eternally grateful to Jules. He saved my life. life, along with all the people who worked on the project. “

The most important honors related to Formula 1:

Formula 1 world champion
Lewis Hamilton (conductor)
Mercedes (designers)

Honorary Award of the President of the FIA
Michael Schumacher
Lewis Hamilton
Ian Roberts, Alan van de Merwe, Sheikh Abdulla and sports watchers in Bahrain

Personality of the year
Lewis Hamilton

Rookie of the Year
Yuki tsonoda

Action of the year
Kimi raikkonen

Formula 2 champions
Mick schumacher