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Four-time Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen has been honoured with the F1 Action of the Year award for his breathtaking opening-lap overtake on Oscar Piastri at the Imola Grand Prix, even though medical reasons kept him away from the ceremony.
The Red Bull driver addressed the audience through a pre-recorded message, explaining that doctors had advised him against travelling, forcing him to miss the event in person.
“I’m very sorry that I couldn’t be with you tonight. The doctors have prevented me from flying,” Verstappen said in his message.
A message from Max 🤳
While Max couldn’t travel to the FIA Awards on his doctor’s advice, he sent in this message to congratulate Lando and McLaren 🤝#F1 pic.twitter.com/G8ndL2DBxj
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 12, 2025
Despite his absence, the 26-year-old took time to praise his rivals, particularly McLaren and newly crowned world champion Lando Norris, acknowledging the intensity of their title battle throughout the season.
“A big congratulations to McLaren and especially Lando. You guys had an unbelievable season, and it was really cool to be able to race against you until the end,” he added.
Verstappen’s award-winning moment came during the opening lap at Imola, where he produced a bold yet perfectly judged move to pass Piastri, a manoeuvre that quickly became one of the defining highlights of the season and earned widespread acclaim from fans and paddock insiders.
The recognition capped another memorable year in Formula One, one that ultimately belonged to McLaren.
Norris sealed his maiden world title to become the 35th Formula One World Champion since the championship’s inception in 1950 and the 11th British driver to achieve the feat.
His teammate Piastri also enjoyed a standout campaign, finishing third in the drivers’ standings as McLaren wrapped up a remarkable season.
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