Hamilton crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2020

Lewis Hamilton capped off a banner sporting 2020 on Sunday evening, winning the BBC's trophy for Sports Personality of the Year.

The Mercedes driver who secured his seventh Formula 1 world championship this season, equaling the outstanding record of Michael Schumacher, collected his second SPOTY award, having won the prestigious BBC honour in 2014 after winning his second world title, his first with Mercedes.

Hamilton's achievements this season also included surpassing Schumacher's record of 91 wins in F1, with the Briton concluding his 2020 campaign with 95 Grand Prix victories.

Read also: Hamilton 'proud' to see Wolff remain at Mercedes helm

The 35-year-old F1 star edged in the overall public vote Liverpool football captain Jordan Henderson, while Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle came in third in the final tally.

"I just want to say congratulations to all the incredible nominees because I'm so proud of what they have achieved this year and I really want to say thank you for everyone that's called in and voted for me," said Hamilton who virtually joined the ceremony via video.

"I really wasn't expecting this knowing that there's so many great contenders. But I think we're all winners, and I really want to send a Merry Christmas to everyone.

"I know it's been such an unusual year, but to all the frontline workers and all the children around the world: please try and stay positive, through this difficult time.

"I'm sending everyone positivity and, again, thank you from the bottom of my heart."

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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.