VIDEO: Billy Monger's speech after Hamilton presents prestigious award

Joas van Wingerden

Monday 17 December 2018 11:28

Billy Monger thanked his many supporters for saving his life after he was recognised for his sporting success in the face of adversity at the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year awards. Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton presented Monger with the Helen Rollason Award in Sunday's event in Birmingham.

The award has previously been given to Williams boss Frank Williams, who remained at the forefront of F1 success after he was paralysed in a car crash in 1986.

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Monger returned to racing in 2018, less than a year after a horrific crash in a Formula 4 race left him with both legs partially amputated.

The teenager incredibly made it back to the track while stepping up a level, as Carlin offered him a drive in British Formula 3.

As well as Hamilton, Monger was joined on stage by members of the Carlin team that built him a specially adapted car and doctors that treated him after the crash at Donington Park.

In his acceptance speech, Monger admitted that he would not be where he is today without the help of those around him.

Really can’t put this into words. Thank you! ???????????? #BillyWhizz pic.twitter.com/y1TFX21XQN — billywhizz (@BillyMonger) December 16, 2018

"It's a real honour to be able to share this stage with them. They saved my life." ?
Watch #SPOTY LIVE on @BBCOne and here: https://t.co/lGCzvNDJFG pic.twitter.com/xJPBGtPqnv — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 16, 2018