Lewis Hamilton knighted in New Year's honours list
One of the highest honours bestowed in his native United Kingdom, Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton was named on the New Year's list.
Formula One world champion and Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton has capped a stellar year by receiving a knighthood. One of the highest honours bestowed in his native United Kingdom, Hamilton was named on the New Year's list on Wednesday.
It comes after Hamilton equalled Ferrari great Michael Schumacher as the driver with the most F1 titles this season.
Hamilton has seven world championships, six of them with Mercedes after reigning supreme during a coronavirus-hit 2020 campaign.
The 35-year-old also surpassed Schumacher's previous record tally of 91 race wins this term. He now has 95 and the 11 in 2020 represents his joint-best return for an F1 season in his legendary career.
Hamilton – who was made an MBE in 2008 – has also had a pole position in 14 consecutive seasons (from 2007 to 2020). Schumacher previously had the best such record (13 from 1994 to 2006).
Hamilton "In every sense led the way in 2020"
"Lewis is one of the very greatest racing drivers of all time and the most successful British sportsperson of his era," Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said.
"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."