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British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton knighted

Lewis Hamilton after his victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix, in Sakhir, on November 29, 2020.

Call him “Sir” now! Lewis Hamilton was knighted in the UK, promoted to knight on the New Year’s Honors list, after tying Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula 1 world titles.

The first and only black driver in the premier class of motorsport, 35, has joined the legendary German driver in an exceptional 2020 season, shortened due to the pandemic. Last month, a group of British parliamentarians called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to elevate the pilot to the rank of knight.

Portrait : Lewis Hamilton, leader on and off the track

Coming from a modest background, Hamilton had dedicated his victory on November 15, in Turkey, “To the children and to all those for whom it is important to see this”, telling them: “Dream the impossible, pursue this dream, never doubt yourself”.

Hamilton, a resident of the Principality of Monaco, has been in the hot seat in the past for his tax situation, but has argued that he pays a significant amount of tax in Britain.

Involved in different causes

The beloved and controversial Mercedes driver has become a strong advocate for equality, diversity, animal welfare and the environment, and has made several strong statements this year on human rights, democracy and the environment. fight against racism by committing to the Black Lives Matter movement (“black lives matter”). In particular, he regularly kneeled on the starting grid this season, a sign that has become a symbol of the protest against violence against blacks.

It is “A different motivation than what I had in me in the past, to arrive first at the end of these races so that I can use this platform” against racism, he told the BBC.

Lewis Hamilton, kneeling on the grid of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in Yas Marina in the United Arab Emirates, to denounce violence against blacks, December 13, 2020. Lewis Hamilton, kneeling on the grid of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in Yas Marina in the United Arab Emirates, to denounce violence against blacks, December 13, 2020.

The UK New Year’s Honors list recognizes outstanding achievement in various fields including sport, entertainment and politics, as well as contributions from a large number of ordinary citizens. This year, many prizes have been awarded to those who seek solutions to the problems posed by the coronavirus as the pandemic drags on.

Portrait : Doctor Lewis, Mister Hamilton

Le Monde with AFP and AP

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