Many F1 fans might argue that this is one title that’s come about four titles too late, but seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has finally been granted a knighthood.
Hamilton, who received an MBE after winning his first championship in 2008, was knighted in the new year honours list, capping off a spectacular 12 months for the 35-year old Brit.
Not only did Hamilton clinch his seventh Formula One world title, putting him level with Michael Schumacher, but by the season’s finish he had scored his 95th race win, taking him far past the previous record of 91 set by the German.
Hamilton was also named BBC sports personality of the year, and appeared on Time Magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people.
Previous motorsport knights include Jackie Stewart, Frank Williams, Patrick Head, Jack Brabham, and of course, Stirling Moss, who sadly passed away earlier this year, though Hamilton is the first to have been given the award while still a driver.
Aside from his success behind the wheel this year, Hamilton also set up a commission to look at the lack of diversity in motor racing, and has helped raise awareness of racial inequality.
A worthy winner, then, but there was still some doubt over Hamilton’s suitability for a knighthood due to him living in Monaco to escape the British taxman.
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson stepped in, placing Hamilton on the ‘Diplomatic and Overseas List’ to ensure he received the award.
‘Lewis is a true giant of our sport and his influence is huge both in and out of a car,’ said Stefano Domenicali, who recently left the top job at Lamborghini to become Formula One’s CEO.
‘What he has achieved is phenomenal with still more to come. All of us at Formula 1 congratulate him on this well deserved recognition of his achievements and look forward to seeing more of his brilliance in 2021.’
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