autoevolution
 

No Laureus Awards for Vettel, Red Bull

Sebastian Vettel's performance in the 2011 season – just to remind you, he became the youngest driver in the history of Formula 1 to clinch the world title – has been nothing short of magnificent, yet the 23-year old German was denied the prestigious Laureus prize earlier this week.

During the Monday night gala that took place in Abu Dhabi, the moment everyone was expecting was the award-giving ceremony for the 2011 Sportsman of the Year. And unfortunately for Vettel's fans, the distinction went to Spanish world number 1 tennis star Rafael Nadal, who last year became the youngest player in the history of tennis to achieve a career Grand Slam.

What that means is that Nadal, thanks to defeating Novak Djokovic in the US Open final last year, managed to clinch all Grand Slam titles (Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon are the remaining 3) by the age of 24.

Also, Vettel's Red Bull Racing team was not luckier either in the best international team prize race. Despite winning their first F1 title last season, the Austrian organization was runner-up to the Spanish national football team. Spain conquered its first FIFA World Cup title in history last year, only 2 years after becoming European champions in 2008.

One high-ranked figure of the motor racing world was however awarded last night, namely 7-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi. The Doctor won the world comeback of the year title after taking only 41 days to recover from his exposed leg fracture in the beginning of the 2010 season.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories