Seven-time Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his achievements in 2020.
The 35-year-old Hamilton has equated himself with Michael Schumacher’s record for world championship titles – he had already surpassed the German driver in all race wins. He will try to win an eighth record championship in 2021.
The achievement is likely to be recognized with the UK’s highest award. According to a report in The Times, Hamilton is added to the Queen’s New Years Honor Roll, officially known as Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton has been on the list before. After his first championship in 2008, he was named “Member of the Best Order of the British Empire” (MBE).
The demand to knight him has only increased recently, with Hamilton winning six of the last seven championships.
The Times report said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson personally recommended Hamilton for his work on and off the track, after frequently speaking out against racism. Hamilton, the only black driver in F1 history, has his knee down before every race this year and wearing T-shirts that read “Black Lives Matter” and “Arrest The Cops Who Killed Breonna Taylor” at the Tuscan Grand Prix carried ‘.
Hamilton also launched the Hamilton Commission, which he hopes will help diversify motorsport.
Great Britain had ten world champions, but only three-time world champion Jackie Stewart was recognized as a knight. Stirling Moss was also knighted for a notable racing career in various motorsport categories, despite not winning an F1 championship.
.
