By Luis Torres, Staff Writer
Arise Sir Lewis!
Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton became the latest motorsports personnel to receive knighthood in the United Kingdom’s Honours list.
Not only Hamilton equaled Michael Schumacher for the most world titles, he also surpassed Schumacher for all-time wins after winning the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao two months ago. Finally, he played a contributing role of bringing Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s seventh straight constructors’ title.
Outside of racing, Hamilton hasn’t shy away from global issues such as fighting against racism. This was highlighted after winning the Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello when he wore a Breonna Taylor shirt during the pre-race and podium presentations.
All of those racing attributes and social commentary earned him the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, BBC Sports’ Personality of the Year and Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.
As a result, those accolades were worthy for the 35-year-old becoming a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, joining likes of Jackie Stewart, Stirling Moss, Frank Williams, Patrick Head and Jack Brabham who’ll carry the title ‘Sir’ in his name due to their racing services.
F1’s incoming CEO Stefano Domenicali commented about Hamilton being knighted on Thursday.
“Lewis is a true giant of our sport and his influence is huge both in and out of a car. What he has achieved is phenomenal with still more to come,” said Domenicali. “All of us at Formula 1 congratulate him on this well deserved recognition of his achievements and look forward to seeing more of his brilliance in 2021.”
After 14 F1 seasons, Hamilton now has 95 career wins (11 in 2020), 98 poles (10) and 165 podiums (14) in 265 grand prix starts. While he’s yet to officially sign a contract extension for the 2021 season, it’s a noble moment for Hamilton and motorsports as a whole to wrap-up a tumultuous 2020.
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