This archive report was first published on 13 December 2019.
Formula One fans have spoken, and their choice for Rookie of the Year is clear: Lando Norris, the 20-year-old British driver who made a name for himself this season with McLaren.
Despite finishing eighth overall, Red Bull's Alexander Albon was initially named Rookie of the Year by the FIA at their awards in Paris last week. However, Norris won over the hearts of fans with his strong social media presence, quirky attitude, and jokey relationship with teammate Carlos Sainz.
According to the official Formula One website, Norris received 76% of the votes in a poll that drew in 86,922 fans. Albon came in second with 16%, while Williams' George Russell trailed behind with 8%.
At the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, Norris's departing performance engineer Andrew Jarvis praised him over the team radio, saying, 'an absolute legend.' Norris responded with laughter, joking that he was 'crying.'
