Norris wins Autosport’s British Competition Driver of the Year Award

The McLaren Formula 1 star, who also won the award in 2019, continued his impressive form in his second season, as well as starring in Esports competition.

Norris and his experienced Ferrari-bound team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr were evenly matched and played their part in McLaren's battle with Racing Point and Renault for third in the constructors' championship, in which the Woking squad prevailed.

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Thanks to a superb late charge in the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix, Norris also scored his maiden F1 podium, as well as his first fastest laps.

"It's my first win of the year, which is great!" said the 21-year-old.

"Big thank you for all the support and I'll keep trying to enjoy my life in Formula 1 and entertaining everyone.

"I feel I improved my weaknesses from last year this season, but there are still some small things, such as nailing the qualifying laps every weekend.

"I've got to go for my first podium in F1 as my highlight of the year. It's hard to believe it's going to happen and we weren't expecting anything like that."

The award is open to British drivers competing in categories at international level and Autosport readers put Norris on top, ahead of World Endurance champion Mike Conway, Formula E race winner Oliver Rowland and fellow rising F1 ace George Russell.

Previous winners include F1 world champions Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton (now exempt). F1 drivers-turned commentators Martin Brundle and David Coulthard are also former victors.

The 2020 edition of the Autosport Awards is taking place online, with increased digital coverage, and continues the tradition of highlighting the best of the motorsport season.

Other categories include International Racing Driver of the Year presented by Pirelli, International Racing Car of the Year, International Rally Driver of the Year, Rally Car of the Year, Rider of the Year, Richard Mille Rookie of the Year, National Driver of the Year, Moment of the Year presented by Marelli, and the Pioneering and Innovation Award presented by Mahindra.

The Esports Driver of the Year Award presented by Motorsport Games has also been introduced this year.

To find out which other winners Autosport readers have voted for, go to autosport.com/awards