Three F1 world champions, one of the sport's great engineering brains and arguably the best sportscar driver of all time were this year's choice to enter that
Motor Sport magazine Hall of Fame.
For the first time in its short history, the induction evening was held at London's Royal Opera House, where the Paul Hamlyn Hall was graced with some of the biggest names to have worked and raced in F1 as places in the hall were bestowed upon Niki Lauda, Damon Hill, Graham Hill, Colin Chapman and eight-time
Le Mans 24 Hours winner Tom Kristensen.
As well as those being inducted, racing names including Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart, Jody Scheckter, John Watson, Jackie Oliver, Martin Brundle, Stefano Domenicali, David Richards, Allan McNish and Steve Parrish were in the audience, along with celebrities from the worlds of television and entertainment.
Lauda, a three-time F1 championship winner, who received his award from Jack Heuer and Piero Ferrari, admitted that he was 'very delighted and highly honoured' to have been inducted, while 1996 champion Hill was humbled to have been invited into the Hall at the same time as his father.
“
Motor Sport magazine's Hall of Fame is already a highly prestigious institution, [and] I know the entire Hill family is delighted to have not one but
two family members inducted at once. It's another Hill first!”
The third generation of Hill family racers,
F3 aspirant Josh, was on stage to honour his grandfather's inclusion in the select group of inductees.
Clive Chapman, son of Lotus founder Colin, also paid tribute to his father, as well as those who worked for him during his innovative time in the top flight.
“The Chapman family is proud that Colin Chapman's achievements continue to be recognised and celebrated,” he noted, “We salute the hundreds of Team Lotus personnel whose ability and dedication enabled him to achieve so much.”
Kristensen, the only non-F1 fraternity member inducted this year, flirted with the grand prix scene without ever starting a race, but went on to make his name in endurance competition, adding various titles and prestigious race wins to his record Le Mans haul.