Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari’s driver, has received the trophy at the traditional gala evening of the sports controlling body FIA, just one month after he has won the drivers' world championship.

"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," he said late Friday evening.

The usually shy and quiet driver has taken part at the gala in a dinner suite, the same as his competitors, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

When he was presented with the trophy, Raikkonen especially thanked his team, with whom he also won the constructors' championship with team- mate Felipe Massa, having nothing but nice words to say about it. "Ferrari is a fantastic team of people who are extraordinary, both professionally and from the human point of view."

Runner-up Hamilton declared that he had an extraordinary season, despite the fact that though he had lost the championship in the last race and that his team might receive further sanctions in February over the spying incident.

"To be one of the three F1 drivers at the FIA Prize Giving Gala at the end of the season is a truly special moment. I am proud to be at the Gala representing my family and the team that I work for. “

"It has been a pleasure racing for them this season and I couldn't have done it without their support," the 22-year-old said.

Alonso, who was Hamilton’s team- mate until recently and seems close to signing with his former team Renault again, also said that it was an awesome season.

"Away from the track, of course, it was a more bumpy road but sometimes that's what happens in sport and I will take those lessons into next season and beyond."