The 2018 FIA Prize Giving was all about Kimi

©FIA

The FIA's annual Prize Giving gala took place Friday evening in St. Petersburg, where the winners of the FIA championships were celebrated in fanfare, but it was one man who stole the show.

Motorsport's stars gathered in the Grand Hall of the historic St. Petersburg Philarmonia for a festive night of celebration, with the highlight of the event being the presentation of the FIA Formula One Drivers' Championship trophy to Lewis Hamilton.

The Mercedes driver was a bit under the weather, skipping the afternoon media conference, but was fit and well by the time the glittering awards ceremony kicked off

"It does feel incredible," the dapper looking 33-year-old told the audience.

"Next year's going to be so tough, the seasons are getting longer and longer. I don't know how long I'm going to go, currently two years sounds good for me.

"But I still love racing so maybe I'll be going a lot longer. Who knows?"

Raikkonen: 'Sauber has all the tools to build a great car'

However, the center of most people's attention last night - at least on social media - was the unusually voluble and chatty Kimi Raikkonen.

The former Ferrari driver and new Sauber charger shed his typical subdued and quiet self to showcase an open and unreserved persona, much to everyone's pleasure, including his own.

There's no doubt the Finn's effusive behavior was helped by the bubbly at the table, and the wine, and the vodka… Anything that could help him withstand the evening.

Check out the video compilation of Raikonnen's best moments from last night. Its' already a classic...

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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.