Verstappen handed 'Action of the Year' award by FIA

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Max Verstappen was the recipient on Friday of the FIA's 'Action of the Year' award, the Red Bull driver earning the accolade for his bold overtake of Charles Leclerc at the British Grand Prix.

Verstappen and Leclerc were involved in an epic mid-race scrap for fifth at Silverstone when the Dutchman overhauled the Ferrari driver with an audacious move on the outside at Club Corner.

Leclerc would ultimately have the last word and cross the checkered flag ahead of his rival, but the pair's battle and Verstappen's move were among the 2019 season's highlights.

"A lot happened and it was very cool," Verstappen remembered.

"We went a bit out and our wheels had some contact, this does not happen a lot normally in Formula 1.

"I love it and if you win it is even more satisfactory than when you lose. Even since our go-karting time we had those battles and I am sure we will have more of that in the coming years.

"I think it is good for Formula 1."

Indeed, the two drivers will meet again in 2020 as they stake their claim as Lewis Hamilton's successor for the world title.

©FIA

Speaking at the media conference in Paris ahead of the FIA's prize giving ceremony, Verstappen said that his own personal highlight this year was his win - the first of three in 2019 - in Austria.

"Given all the circumstances Austria was the best victory," he said.

"It was the home race for the team, it was the first victory for Honda in the V6 era and with so many Dutch fans on the grandstands it was even more special, in comparison with the other wins."

"Before Austria we had some more difficult races and were not competitive enough. But there we brought some updates to the car which seemed to work much better.

"Besides that, we made the right compromises with the car for the race, the car suddenly came to life during the race. Still it was quite unexpected.

"For the team it was a great boost of motivation and especially for Honda after all their hard years since their return to Formula 1. So this victory brought some relief."

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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.