British Formula 1 star Jenson Button was today presented with the coveted Hawthorn Memorial Trophy in recognition of his outstanding performances in 2004. The B.A.R Honda driver received the trophy from the Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP – Minister for Sports and Tourism – and Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association (MSA) – the governing body of UK motor sport – in advance of this afternoon's Foster's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The Hawthorn Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the most successful British or Commonwealth driver in the FIA Formula One World Championship. It was first presented by the Hawthorn family in memory of Mike Hawthorn, who became Britain’s first Formula One World Champion in 1958 but tragically died a year later.

David Coulthard has taken the trophy in five of the last six years, but Nigel Mansell holds the record; his name appearing seven times on the stunning silverware.

“Jenson was one of the stars of last season and is a thoroughly deserving recipient of this trophy,” commented Hilton. "Having risen through the ranks of British motor sport, his career is a shining example of how young drivers can work their way through to reach the very top. He is a great ambassador for the sport and his country."

Previous winners of the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy

1959     Jack Brabham (AUS) *

1960     Jack Brabham (AUS) *

1961     Stirling Moss (GB)

1962     Graham Hill (GB) *

1963     Jim Clark (GB) *

1964     John Surtees (GB) *

1965     Jim Clark (GB) *

1966     Jack Brabham (AUS) *

1967     Denny Hulme (NZ) *

1968     Graham Hill (GB) *

1969     Jackie Stewart (GB) *

1970     Denny Hulme (NZ)

1971     Jackie Stewart (GB) *

1972     Jackie Stewart (GB)

1973     Jackie Stewart (GB) *

1974     Denny Hulme (NZ)

1975     James Hunt (GB)

1976     James Hunt (GB) *

1977     James Hunt (GB)

1978     John Watson (GB)

1979     Alan Jones (AUS)

1980     Alan Jones (AUS) *

1981     Alan Jones (AUS)

1982     John Watson (GB)

1983     John Watson (GB)

1984     Derek Warwick (GB)

1985     Nigel Mansell (GB)

1986     Nigel Mansell (GB)

1987     Nigel Mansell (GB)

1988     Derek Warwick (GB)

1989     Nigel Mansell (GB)

1990     Nigel Mansell (GB)

1991     Nigel Mansell (GB)

1992     Nigel Mansell (GB) *

1993     Damon Hill (GB)

1994     Damon Hill (GB)

1995     Damon Hill (GB)

1996     Damon Hill (GB) *

1997     Jacques Villeneuve (CAN) *

1998     David Coulthard (GB)

1999     Eddie Irvine (GB)

2000     David Coulthard (GB)

2001     David Coulthard (GB)

2002     David Coulthard (GB)

2003     David Coulthard (GB)

2004     Jenson Button (GB)