Sir Lewis Hamilton…now doesn’t that have a nice ring to it.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion has been bestowed a knighthood after being included in the list of the Queen’s New Year Honours.
2020 saw Hamilton cement himself as one of the sport’s most successful drivers. He usurped Michael Schumacher as the most winningest drive in history, before matching the German star on titles won.
Hamilton is only the third F1 World Champion to receive a knighthood. Jack Brabham was the first back in 1978, and Jackie Stewart also received the highest honour in 2001. However, Hamilton is the first to gain this status while still an active driver.
New F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “Lewis is a true giant of our sport and his influence is huge both in and out of a car.
“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.”
Mercedes-Benz AMG F1 team principal Toto Wolff commented: “Lewis is one of the very greatest racing drivers of all time and the most successful British sportsperson of his era. Around the world, he has long been recognised for his sporting achievement; this year, he combined his excellence on the track with a powerful voice to fight discrimination. In every sense, he led the way in 2020.
“The news that he is to receive a knighthood shows that he is now receiving the recognition he has earned during a career of unparalleled success in motorsport. The UK can be very proud to have a champion and ambassador of the calibre of Sir Lewis Hamilton.”
This year also had Hamilton collect the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year prize, sharing it with footballer Lionel Messi.
He also was awarded Autosport’s International Driver of the Year, with Kiwi Scott Dixon ranking in the same list.