F1 introduces new 'Overtake Award' to reward driver 'bravery'

40

Formula 1 announced on Tuesday its Crypto.com Overtake Award that will reward the F1 driver who makes the most overtakes this season.

The reward is the first of its kind and, according to F1, will "celebrate the bravery exhibited by drivers who make bold moves in pursuit of success".

A special dedicated trophy will be presented to the winner at the end of the season.

Furthermore, to allow fans to engage in the overtaking thrills, F1 has produced new live broadcast graphics that will signal overtaking possibilities and potential moves, while the Crypto.com Overtake Award will also chart the amount of overtakes made by drivers throughout the campaign.

"We’re delighted to be expanding our partnership with Crypto.com as we introduce the Overtake Award which will integrate the brand into Formula 1 throughout the season, in addition to the title partnership of the F1 Sprint Events," said Ben Pincus, F1's director of commercial partnerships.

"The Crypto.com Overtake Award gives us the chance to celebrate drivers’ instincts to make bold and strategic moves which reflects the qualities needed when dealing in cryptocurrency."

Read also - McLaren: 2022 wheel rims will require pit stop 'adaption'

One could perhaps argue that it takes a lot more bravery to make a profitable move in the volatile cryptocurrency market than it does in an F1 race!

Also, it's unclear what will exactly constitute an 'overtake' as there are a multitude of situations in a race where a driver may gain the upper hand over a rival with little skill or bravery required.

The new Overtake Award graphics are expected to be introduced at next weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, so we'll just judge the new concept on its merit.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.