Lewis Hamilton has been knighted in recognition of his glittering Formula One career, just days after he controversially missed out on a record eighth title. The Prince of Wales honoured Britain’s former world champion at a Windsor Castle investiture ceremony on Wednesday. Lewis Hamilton is now officially, ‘Sir Lewis Hamilton.’
He was accompanied by his mother, Carmen Lockhart, and both were beaming as they posed for photos in the castle’s quadrangle. The 36-year-old is the fourth grand Prix driver to be knighted. Following Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss, and Sir Jackie Stewart. Lewis Hamilton is the first to receive the honor while still racing.
Hamilton was on the list for the New Year’s Honours. After a record-breaking 2020 season. He surpassed Michael Schumacher’s all-time victory tally and matched the German by winning a seventh world title. However, the Mercedes driver’s Red Bull rival Max Verstappen won his first Formula One world title on Sunday. It comes after a season-long battle with Hamilton. It came down to a highly contentious one-lap shootout in Abu Dhabi.
The deployment of the safety car following a late crash at the Yas Marina circuit erased Hamilton’s lead over Verstappen, who had the advantage of using fresher tires. The British driver said on the car radio after the Red Bull driver stormed past Sir Lewis Hamilton, who missed out on a fifth title in a row. He says, “This has been manipulation, man.” But he was later magnanimous in post-race interviews. He told Sky Sports at the time: “Congratulations to Max and his team. I think we did an amazing job this year. Everyone back at the factory and here worked so hard in this most difficult of seasons.”
