WATCH: Verstappen and Mercedes claim their drivers’ and constructors’ trophies at 2021 FIA Prize Giving

Formula 1’s newest world champion Max Verstappen appeared in Paris on Thursday evening to claim his World Championship trophy, following his victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last Sunday.

The win at Yas Marina Circuit meant that Verstappen secured his first-ever drivers’ title, and Red Bull’s first since 2013, following a season-long battle with title rival Lewis Hamilton.

Despite Verstappen’s triumph, it was Mercedes who celebrated victory in the constructors’ championship, with Chief Technical Officer James Allison collecting the trophy after the team secured a record-extending eighth straight title.

READ MORE: Champion Verstappen to run No.1 on Red Bull in 2022 as he reveals congratulations from Wolff and Hamilton

Valtteri Bottas was also at the FIA Prize Giving to collect his trophy for finishing third in the drivers’ standings, following his fifth and final season with Mercedes, and fresh from making his debut for new squad Alfa Romeo at the post-season Abu Dhabi test.

Bottas’ second-placed Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff both missed the ceremony, however, following the controversial conclusion to the championship on Sunday evening, with Wolff telling the media earlier on Thursday: “Both of us won't be there. I won't be there because of my loyalty to Lewis.

READ MORE: ‘It’s nothing to do with Max’ – Wolff on Mercedes’ protests, why they didn’t appeal, and why Hamilton will come back stronger in 2022

“But we will be represented as a team by James Allison, who will be taking the trophy on behalf of all the people in Brackley and Brixworth who should celebrate our eighth consecutive World Championship title... It's a fantastic achievement that we're very proud of... [and it's] something unprecedented.”