The ESPYs were held yesterday. The awards signify the achievements of athletes all around the world in every discipline possible. But one of the biggest upsets was the ceremony was the award of 2021 best driver which went to Kyle Larson over Max Verstappen.

The Red Bull driver has won many awards for his performance in the 2021 season. So he had a very good shot to take home an ESPY for himself as well. But the award went to Larson, who won the 2021 NASCAR series cup.

Larson also had a terrific season and had double-digit wins in the championship-winning campaign. He triumphed over the likes of Verstappen, Palou, and Steve Torrence.

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The Dutch driver impressed everyone with his unbelievable speed and consistency throughout the season. He won 10 races and had 10 pole positions and 18 podiums to his name throughout the season. He had earlier won the best driver awards at the Autosports’ International Racing Driver of the Year.

Max Verstappen dethrones Lewis Hamilton at the Autosports Awards

Verstappen not only defeated Hamilton on the drag but also ended his dominance at the Autosport’s International Racing Driver of the Year award. The Mercedes driver had been dominating the ceremony by winning the big prize in the years previous to 2021.

“First of all, I would like to say a big thank for you to all the fans for voting for me to win this award. All the support over the year was amazing. I would like to thank Red Bull and Honda for giving me the car to win the world championship,” said Verstappen.

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While he was not present at the ceremony, his team boss Christian Horner was and picked up his trophy and sang his praises. “The way he drove last year was outstanding and to go up against Lewis Hamilton, who was at the top of his game. Max led more laps than any other driver and won more races. He thoroughly deserves this award,” said Horner.

It would be interesting to see if the Dutch driver would react to losing the ESPY to Larson. But he will have many more chances to win the award in the future and might just take it home in the coming years.