SHANGHAI, April 17 (Xinhua) -- McLaren's Lewis Hamilton just finished fastest lap in 1:37.334 here on Friday in the Chinese Grand Prix. What adds to his happiness is he has been nominated for prestigious Laureus Awards announced in London on Thursday.

    Hamilton made his best performance this season by leading the morning practice session ahead of season championship favorite Jenson Button of Brawn GP.

    Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel is also in the nominees list in the annual prizes, which were established in 2000, recognize global sporting achievements.

    Reigning Formula One world champion Hamilton is up against sprinter Usain Bolt, tennis ace Rafael Nadal, swimmer Michael Phelps, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and MotoGP's Valentino Rossi in the "Sportsman of the Year" category, an award won by Michael Schumacher in 2002 and 2004.

    Vettel, meanwhile, is one of six nominees in the "Breakthrough of the Year" category, after becoming the youngest-ever Formula One victor by winning the 2008 Italian Grand Prix for Toro Rosso. Hamilton won the "Breakthrough" award last year.

    Rather than holding their traditional prize-giving ceremony, Laureus and their partners have decided that due to the current economic climate, the winners will receive their awards individually at a series of presentations in May and June when the winners are announced.