Former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone was on hand to present Lando Norris with the FIA president’s medal for winning the Austrian Grand Prix.
Norris held off the challenge of team-mate Oscar Piastri to take an impressive victory around the Red Bull Ring to keep his title hopes up, as well and strengthening McLaren’s position at the top of the Constructors’ Championship.
The president’s medal, which has been awarded to all winning drivers since the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, is presented by the president himself, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
However, the Emirati was unable to attend this weekend’s race in Spielberg, and Ecclestone, 94, deputised to place the medal around Norris’ neck.
“I think it’s really nice that the President gives a personal congratulations to the winning competitor,” he said.
“As he could not attend the Formula 1 race here in Austria, he asked me to present his medal for him which I am pleased and honoured to do.
“It was also great to be there, as though it might seem strange, this was the first time in almost 70 years in this sport that I’ve actually been on the podium! So, that was also nice.”
Ecclestone, previously owner of the Brabham team in the 1970s, founded the Formula 1 Group in 1987, and controlled the commercial rights to the sport for a further 30 years, before selling to Liberty Media.
His tenure secured his place as one of the most recognisable figures in F1 throughout this period.
The president’s medal is now handed out to drivers who win in a number of FIA-controlled competitions, including Formula E, the World Rally Championship, and the World Karting Championship.
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