Present alongside his teammates Kévin Estre and André Lotterer, Laurens received his trophy from the hands of Jacky Ickx. Like a passing of the baton between the two men, Vanthoor being the first Belgian since “Monsieur Le Mans” in 1983 to be crowned world endurance champion (WEC).
Thierry Neuville celebrated for his title of world rally champion by more than 2,000 supporters in Saint-Vith: “I was impressed” (video)
“It was an incredible adventure,” comments the eldest of the Vanthoor brothers. “André, Kévin and I have known each other for several years now. For me, driving a car in the premier endurance category has always been a goal in my career. So, to be champion with two teammates like André and Kévin, what’s more at the end of one of the most competitive years in endurance, it’s difficult to do better.”
Max Verstappen received his fourth Formula 1 world champion trophy. The rookie of the year title was also given to Gabriel Bortoleto, the Brazilian having been crowned F2 champion this year.
