It's a hat trick for 'Personality of the Year' Max Verstappen!

©FIA

Max Verstappen collected his third consecutive 'Personality of the Year' award at last night's FIA prize giving event in Versailles, Paris.

The 20-year-old Red Bull Racing driver was celebrated for his on-track flamboyant style and achievements in a campaign which saw him clinch two Grand Prix wins, in Malaysia and Mexico.

Gallery: The FIA's prize giving ceremony in pictures

Verstappen's season was one undermined by misfortune however as he found himself often on the receiving end of Renault's engine reliability woes.

"Challenging, and a bit of a roller coaster as well," was the Dutchman's response when asked to assess his year.

"Some challenging moments but of course very happy with still two victories at the end. It was a hard season but I learned from it, so of course I'm very pleased to win this award."

"Thank you Red Bull Racing, all the fans and everyone else who supported me! I will keep pushing," he added on Twitter.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.