The 43-year-old was one of just two women to make the seven-driver shortlist, but received the accolade after obtaining the highest score in a social media poll and vote by the UIM Council.

Strømøy is the only woman to have won a Formula 1 race, triumphing in the United Arab Emirates in 2015.

She also finished on the podium of the 2019 Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship. 

"It was a big surprise but I'm incredibly proud to be named Driver of The Year by the International Federation," Strømøy said.

"This means so much to me, my team, my sponsors and my family.  

"Of course, it is an honour to be considered a role model for female drivers in our sport - I have been racing for 30 years now and this will give the team a huge boost as we prepare for the new season."

Around 200 guests, including powerboating world champions and attendees from the worlds of sport, commerce, the boating industry and media, gathered for the awards at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. 

The Junior Driver of the Year title went to 11-year-old Ander Hubert Lauri of Estonia, winner of both the 2019 UIM Aquabike Ski Juniors GP3.2 World and European Championships.

"To host the 11th edition of the UIM Awards Giving Gala in the Olympic capital is a great honour for us and we are delighted to see so many champions and distinguished guests join us for what is one of the highlights of our calendar," said UIM President Raffaele Chiulli.