2014 GEORGE RUSSELL

OTHER FINALISTS Harrison Scott Alexander Albon, Ben Barnicoat, Sennan Fielding, Seb Morris,

He says: “The Award was life-changing in my career progress. Just being nominated as the youngest finalist felt like a huge achievement in itself.

I’m only starting to realise how incredible what everyone from Mclaren, Autosport, the BRDC and Mercedes put on for us is. Getting that opportunity to drive three fantastic cars on one of the world’s best circuits was just amazing and the experience we take from that is unparalleled.

“One highlight was jumping into the Mercedes DTM car for the first time. I went around Luffield corner on my opening lap and the car just stuck to the ground. I was lost for words exiting that corner with how much grip the thing had – it felt on another planet compared to everything I had driven before and I’ll remember that feeling for a long time.

“On the night of the Awards at Grosvenor House, surprisingly I was fairly relaxed. I think that was because I knew I had given it my best shot and I felt I maximised everything from the preparation, the driving, the feedback etc. So I entered the evening with my head held high. That said, in the closing moments when we were watching the VT to some very tense music, nerves started to rise.

“The moment Steve Rider called my name was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in my life. That feeling of accomplishment was enormous and I was extremely humbled to be on the list of Award winners along with some amazing drivers. I had planned a little speech on stage, but I was literally lost for words.

“Driving the Mclaren F1 car was such a surreal feeling. It’s been my life-long dream to be an F1 world champion, so I felt privileged to get my first taste of an F1 car at 17 years old. At the time, I had no F1 connections and my career seemed to be destined for DTM. Therefore, I thought this might be my first and last opportunity in an F1 car, so I’d best enjoy the moment. I brought my whole family with me – they have been a major part of all of my success so having them standing on the sidelines full of pride was a fantastic moment.

“I remember coming out of the pitlane, taking off the limiter and the car just flew. My face was beaming with a massive smile throughout every lap and that was just a fantastic experience.”