Hamilton, who won the same award in 2014, won the overall vote ahead of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson in second, while Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle came third.

Premier League champions Liverpool were named Team of the Year, and manager Jurgen Klopp was crowned Coach of the Year.

Earlier in the evening, England and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford received a Panel Special Award.

Hamilton claimed his seventh F1 title this year, drawing him level on the all-time championship list with Michael Schumacher. He surpassed the German's race wins record in October when he won at the Portuguese Grand Prix, his 92nd career success.

The 35-year-old said on receiving his award: "Firstly I want to say congratulations to all the incredible nominees.

"I'm so proud of what they have achieved this year. I want to say thank you to everyone who has called in and voted for me. I really wasn't expecting this knowing that there were so many great competitors. They're all winners.

"I really want to send a Merry Christmas to everyone. I know it's been such an unusual year but all the frontline workers, all the children around the world, please try and stay positive at this difficult time.

"I'm sending everyone positivity and again, thank you from the bottom of my heart."