DECEMBER 24, 2000

Will there be honors for the F1 crowd?

AS the Formula 1 circus shuts down for the Christmas break, many people will be wondering if anyone in Formula 1 will figure in the New Year's Honours List, which will be revealed next week. The British government grants honors twice a year and in recent years it has been rare for there not to be a racing name or two on each list. In June McLaren boss Ron Dennis was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire and last Christmas Stirling Moss received a knighthood.

There have been rumors in recent months that Jackie Stewart may be given a knighthood in the New Year's Honour List. The timing of the rumors was interesting as they came at around the time that Downing Street sends out letters informing the recipients of their awards so it is quite possible that we will wake up on News Year's Day with Sir Jackie Stewart.

Bernie Ecclestone is not likely to figure in the awards given his recent Christmas card making fun of British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The outside of the card wished everyone "Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year", but inside was the inscription "Remember Christmas is a time for giving" and a fake £1m note with Blair's head on it.

It is inevitable that FIA President Max Mosley will eventually receive some reward for his work in road safety campaigns but it may still be some time as he remains closely associated with Ecclestone.