Niki Lauda winner of 'personality of the year' at FIA prize Gala

Niki Lauda has been named as the FIA's personality of the year at the annual end of season prize gala. Lauda, who won F1 world championships in 1975, 1977 and 1984 and later became a team advisor for Mercedes, passed away in May. 

Lauda picked up a lung infection which complicated a health situation and made recovery a lot more difficult. The Mercedes team member died at the age of 70. Tributes were made throughout Mercedes title-winning season on and off the car. 

The Austrian was a man who always his thoughts to the press during race weekends. Lauda played a significant role in securing Lewis Hamilton's drive at the Silver Arrows back in 2013. 

All winners of the personality of the year award have featured in Formula 1, but Robert Kubica was awarded the inaugural prize for his efforts in the World Rally Championships. Hamilton won the award in 2014 and 2018 with Max Verstappen claiming it three times between 2015 and 2017. 

#FIAPrizeGiving2019 - Selected by permanently accredited media from each of the FIA Championships, Niki Lauda has been chosen as the personality of the year. All of the motor sport family misses you, Niki! #DankeNiki pic.twitter.com/STvlD05j9p

— FIA (@fia) December 6, 2019