Sir Lewis Hamilton - F1 legend receives knighthood from the Prince of Wales

Sir Lewis Hamilton has finally received his knighthood in recognition of his historic Formula One achievements.

Just three days after controversially losing out on a record eighth F1 world title to Max Verstappen, the Briton has been knighted for his services to motorsports.

The 36-year-old received the honour at Windsor Castle on Wednesday with the Prince Charles carrying out official duties.

Hamilton was given a knighthood in the New Year Honours list in 2020 having previously been awarded the MBE in 2008 after winning his first championship.

Having claimed a further six world championships since, and amassed a record 103 race wins, he now becomes only the fourth F1 driver to be knighted, following in the footsteps of Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart.

Sir Lewis is the first active F1 driver to receive the accolade though with the other legendary trio all given the honour many years after their Grand Prix careers had ended.

Today’s proceedings caps off an eventful year for Hamilton, who came within one lap of defending his crown and winning a record eighth world title before Red Bull rival Verstappen controversially overtook him in the Abu Dhabi decider.

Hamilton holds the record for the most world titles in the sport, level with legendary driver Michael Schumacher.

The Mercedes driver not only leads by example on the track but also for using his platform to make a stand on a range of important issues.

He has, and continues to, juggle his racing commitments with raising awareness for equal rights, anti-racism and environmental causes.

Speaking last year when the news broke of Hamilton being included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff heaped praise on his No.1 driver.

‘Lewis is one of the very greatest racing drivers of all time and the most successful British sportsperson of his era,’ he 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.’

Despite Hamilton’s incredible year, he has not been included on the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award this year.

Tennis sensation Emma Raducanu is the big favourite to land the prize on Sunday evening and is joined by Tyson Fury, Tom Daley, Raheem Sterling, Dame Sarah Storey and Adam Peaty.

MORE : George Russell blasts Max Verstappen’s ‘unacceptable’ F1 world title win over Lewis Hamilton

MORE : Lewis Hamilton’s brother declares him the true champion after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix controversy

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