Max Verstappen yesterday journeyed to the Italian village of Brisighella to collect one of motorsport’s most prestigious awards – the Trofeo Lorenzo Bandini.

Previously awarded to stars such as Michael Schumacher, Jacques Villeneuve, Juan Pablo Montoya and Fernando Alonso, the award, which was established in 1992 in memory of legendary Italian driver Lorenzo Bandini, is presented annually to the driver considered to have delivered a commendable performance in motorsport.

Named as this year's recipient for his amazing impact on the sport in his debut season last year with Toro Rosso, Verstappen journeyed yesterday to the hillside medieval village close to Imola and upon arrival was whisked by police escort to the pretty Hotel La Rocca where he prepped for the ceremony with interviews for Italian TV.

From there, the Dutch youngster headed to the town square where a massive crowd had gathered. His former team pushed the boat out for the occasion by bringing a display of every Toro Rosso car from its factory in nearby Faenza.

After being greeted by the Mayor of Brisighella, Verstappen walked down the red-carpeted street, flanked by an honour guard in medieval costume, to the town hall where he met local dignitaries and local fans. He then made the short journey to the town's amphitheatre where the award presentation took place.

Verstappen isn't the first Red Bull driver to be presented with the trophy. Sebastian Vettel was handed the award in 2009 for his performances at Toro Rosso (with whom he scored his and their maiden grand prix win at Monza in 2008), while Daniel Ricciardo was presented with the trophy in 2014 for his performances with Red Bull during the 2014 season.

Last year, the award was given to the Mercedes F1 team in recognition of its performances in Formula 1 following the 2014 regulation changes.

Picture: Red Bull/Twitter

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Editor, 18/07/2016 19:41

"@ Willie

Yes he was "one hell of a sports car driver" and he could have been "one hell of an F1 driver" but this was during one of Ferrari's difficult periods.

He had immense potential but this was ended at Monaco on one of the most dreadful days in the sport's history."

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2. Posted by Willie, 18/07/2016 19:35

"I didn't know much about Bandini, so I Googled him. Apparently he was one hell of a sports car driver, but Formula One not so much. I remember reading about his death in Road and Track, but in those days a GP race without at least one death was an anomaly. Thank goodness what a change!"

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Verstappen awarded Bandini Trophy

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