SIR LEWIS HAMILTON was the only Formula One star who opted out of the vote for Driver of the Year. A top ten is picked with number one receiving 25 points and number ten just one point. All F1 drivers took part except Hamilton, who has picked up the gong eight times. The Brit will be aiming for number nine this time next year as he aims to win the F1 championship for a record eighth time. And he has promised Mercedes will be a “different animal” next year. He said: “It’s always the exciting time of the year because I have seen the car in the wind tunnel.

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