formula 1
Hamilton is knighted – Ecclestone does not consider him worthy
Formula 1 racing driver Lewis Hamilton (r.) Is knighted by Prince Charles at Windsor Castle
© Dominic Lipinski / DPA
Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has criticized the accolade of record world champion Lewis Hamilton. Like many others, he didn’t deserve it because he only donates to good causes but has done nothing for the country.
Lewis Hamilton is the record world champion in Formula 1 alongside Michael Schumacher and is considered one of the greatest racing drivers of all time, but he still does not deserve to be knighted. That is the opinion of Bernie Ecclestone, former Formula 1 boss and now 91 years old. Ecclestone has been retired for four years, but regularly comments on what’s going on in his sport.
“I don’t think that many people who have been knighted or have received this award also deserve it. This knighthood has been around for many years – for those who have done something for the country,” said Ecclestone RTL / ntv . Hamilton has officially been allowed to call himself Sir Lewis since Wednesday. The 36-year-old Mercedes driver, who narrowly missed his eighth world title in Abu Dhabi last weekend, was knighted at Windsor Castle by the heir to the throne, Prince Charles.
Bernie Ecclestone: Nothing specific to the country done
In Ecclestone’s view, Hamilton’s athletic achievements and charitable commitment are not enough to deserve this honor. The people who would be knighted today would all make a lot of money and donated it to charities “but they haven’t done anything specific for the country,” he said.
Ecclestone criticized Hamilton’s team boss Toto Wolff on RTL / ntv because of the Mercedes protests at the season finale in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. “Other team members were probably angry too, but he was the only one to show it,” said Ecclestone of the Austrian Wolff. “If Mercedes doesn’t win the World Cup retrospectively, it should at least get an Oscar for acting because it did an excellent job.”
Lewis Hamilton narrowly beaten
In the controversial final phase with a late safety car phase, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen had overtaken Hamilton on the last lap, after Hamilton had looked like the safe world champion for a long time. Mercedes filed two protests immediately after the end of the race – both were rejected. Mercedes has until Thursday to appeal.
