© FIA

The star-studded FIA Gala in Monaco was a fitting finalé for a dramatic season in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Not since 1986 has the championship hosted a three-way title showdown at the final round, with Kimi Raikkonen taking the title in a thrilling finish.

Kimi said: “I am very happy to be here to receive this trophy that comes with winning the World Championship. This has always been my goal and I am particularly pleased to have achieved it in my first year with Ferrari, which is a fantastic team of people who are extraordinary, both professionally and from the human point of view.

“This victory is the result of the efforts of a group that never threw in the towel, even when all seemed lost. I also want to thank my family, my wife Jenni and everyone who has been close to me since the start of my career.”

The constructors championship was won by Ferrari, its seventh title in nine years. The trophy was gratefully accepted by Ferrari CEO Jean Todt. He said:

“It is a pleasure and an honour to be here today to celebrate our successes in the two Championships, which came at the end of a very unusual year. After the Japanese Grand Prix, we would never have believed that we would be attending this evening as world champions. But the bravura and talent of the team and drivers, along with a small helping hand from fate, means we are here in this guise to celebrate a fantastic season for Ferrari, embellished with nine wins and a world champion in the shape of the great driver that is Kimi Raikkonen, who has taken the title in his first year with the Scuderia.”