Formula 1 world champion receives trophy one day earlier than usual

In a few days time we will know who will be the Formula 1 World Champion this season. Whether it is Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton, the winner will not get his trophy on Sunday. That will be awarded on Thursday during the annual gala of the FIA where Nyck de Vries can also pick up his trophy.

The world champion never gets his trophy after the race. This is because possible decisions by the stewards can still influence the outcome of the race or the championship. Teams also have the time to appeal the results of a race. This is possible until four days after the race.

The FIA's Price Giving gala will take place a day earlier than usual this year, reports The Telegraph. The event normally takes place on the Friday after the last Grand Prix, but now it is already on Thursday. This is because Jean Todt is still president of the FIA. On Friday his successor will be elected, either Mohammed Bin Sulayem or Graham Stoker.

Should Verstappen become world champion, he will not be the only Dutchman who will officially be crowned world champion on Thursday. Nyck de Vries will also be presented with his trophy. The Dutchman won the Formula E championship last season. For a long time De Vries was linked with Formula 1 teams, but no contract was signed. Next year, he will drive for Mercedes again in Formula E.