LONDON (Reuters) – Formula One announced a new sponsored award on Tuesday for the driver who completes the most overtakes during the course of a season.
The award, carrying the name of cryptocurrency partner crypto.com, lines up alongside those offered for the fastest lap and fastest pitstop.
Formula One said in a statement that it was “designed to celebrate the bravery exhibited by drivers who make bold moves in pursuit of success.”
Some social media critics suggested it could also be a reward for poor qualifying, with top drivers who started out of position more likely to make a significant number of overtakes during the race.
Formula One said Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel had completed the most overtakes so far, as the championship comes out of its August break in Belgium this weekend, but gave no figures.
New broadcast graphics will appear live during races to highlight overtaking possibilities and to keep fans up to date with the standings. The winner will be presented with a trophy at the end of the year.
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Photo British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes-AMG Petronas (L) and Dutch Formula One driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing (R) in action during the Formula One Grand Prix Emilia Romagna at Imola race track, Italy, 18 April 2021. EPA-EFE/DAVIDE GENNARI
