Lewis Hamilton is knighted, nudge, seven-time world champion, Bahrain Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher

Hamilton has been a surprising omission in the past, but when he hit Michael Schumacher’s world record and beat his record of all-time victories, it seemed inevitable that the honor would be bestowed on him.

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So far, three F1 drivers have been knighted – Sir Stirling Moss, who never won a world title, three-time champion Sir Jackie Stewart and three-time Australian champion Sir Jack Brabham.

While Hamilton had already received an MBE (member of the British Empire’s Most Excellent Order) for his first world title, fans were hoping he would receive a higher accolade for his performance in the sport.

Since then, Bradley Wiggins, Mo Farah, Andy Murray and Alastair Cook have been knighted for their contributions to the sport while they are still active.

However, reports have indicated that Hamilton will receive the honor. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson personally made sure the F1 legend is on the list.

Previously, questions were raised about whether Hamilton lives in Monaco and avoids taxes. The rumor, however, was debunked last year when Peter Hain, who sits in the all-party faction for Formula 1, found out that Hamilton is one of the top 5,000 taxpayers in the country because of his work with the Mercedes team.

When Hamilton spoke last week, he said he didn’t feel he deserved to be knighted.

“When I think of being knighted, I think of people like my grandpa who served in the war. And Captain Tom, who waited 100 years, ”he said.

“Then you have these doctors and nurses who are saving lives in this most difficult time of all time. I don’t see myself as an unsung hero. I didn’t save anyone. “

At the Bahrain Grand Prix, Hamilton said he would be honored to accept this.

“I would never turn down the royal family. I grew up in the UK and I am a huge fan of them, ”he said.

“It’s very surreal when you grew up watching the news like everyone else and hearing your name in the House of Lords or the House of Commons or Parliament. It’s very, very surreal to hear that with all the things in the world they have a moment and acknowledge the work I’ve done.

“As far as I know there is a lot of talk and not really much thought about it, but it would be an incredible honor. There is no greater honor for your country to recognize you and to honor you with such an award. “

Former F1 champion Damon Hill agreed that Hamilton deserved the honor.

“Lewis was always breaking barriers, when he got into Formula 1 or even karting, he broke barriers and challenged the status quo,” he said.

“The knighthood is seen not only as recognition of his driving, but also as a black driver who has opened another door for anyone who is not white. He broke the prejudice that this is impossible and that there is an area where you cannot achieve anything because of the color of your skin. “

Tennis champion Sir Andy Murray similarly endorsed Hamilton’s claim.

“I’m not necessarily all for athletes who are chivalrous for what we do,” said Murray, who was knighted four years ago in the Queen’s New Year Awards for Service to Tennis and Charity Good morning Great Britain earlier in the week.

“But of course what he has achieved as an athlete he deserves. As an athlete, he is one of the most successful athletes in the country’s history. He’s a great driver.

“He’s also supporting some great causes outside of the track. Yes, I would say he definitely deserves it in terms of his success.”

Voted around the Black Lives Matter movement in the 2020 F1 season, Hamilton told reporters that he wanted to make a difference in some of the most controversial places the sport visits around the world.

“When I got here around noon on Thursday, I received some letters and I didn’t have much time to digest them, and I have to take some time to do that.

“The human rights problem in so many places we go is a massive problem.

“It is very important that this year has shown how important it is not only for us as a sport but for all sports around the world to use the platforms and to push for change.