International Racing Driver: Michael Schumacher

Schumacher took his third drivers' world title and the first for Ferrari in 21 years with a record-equalling nine victories. The German began the season with three wins on a row, and ended it with four consecutive victories. In between, he fought off a concerted challenge from McLaren-Mercedes to give the Scuderia a double of the drivers' and constructors' crowns.

But Schumacher isn't totally super-human and while he continues to recuperate from an operation to remove the final metalwork from the leg broken in his 1999 British Grand Prix accident, it was left to Ferrari team principal Jean Todt to collect the trophy from the Scuderia's last world champion Jody Scheckter.

"I'm really sorry that Michael is not here to get a trophy from Jody, that would be something really special," said Todt. "But as you know, because of Michael's accident last year he cannot be here as he is still recovering from the operation he had on his legs last month."

Schumacher also won the award in 1995 and he joins a list of multiple winners that includes Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen, Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill.

For a full list of sponsors for the 2000 Autosport Awards, please click here.