Hamilton not contemplating Knighthood

Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he has not even been "contemplating" the prospect of receiving a Knighthood from the Queen following his fifth Formula 1 world championship win, but says he will always continue to don the Union Jack proudly for his country.

The Brit earned enough points at the Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday to be crowned champion for the fifth time, which puts him on par with legendary driver, Juan Manuel Fangio, and just two behind the all-time record set by Michael Schumacher.

Following his first title win, Hamilton received an MBE, but becoming Sir Lewis Hamilton has not crossed his mind yet.

“Honestly that is really not something that is on my mind, and not something I’m even contemplating,” Hamilton said when asked about the possibility of a Knighthood.

“I’ve been very fortunate and very grateful to have met the Queen on a couple of occasions, which I’m just grateful for.

“I’m very proud, I don’t know if you notice that sometimes, when I’m on the podium I look back and see the Union Jack and I’m very proud to raise that flag, and which I’ll continue to do so. And hopefully try to make more and more Brits proud.

When it starts to feel real ????????? #LHFive pic.twitter.com/CeiZ3dBM6L — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) 29 October 2018

“At the moment, a German has the most titles but I think I’m quite grateful and quite proud of the ones that we have as Brits and yeah, going to continue to try to raise the game.”

Should Hamilton eventually receive the honour, he would be only the second British driver in history to do so after Sir Jackie Stewart, who received his Knighthood for services to F1 as well as campaigning for more stringent safety measures in the sport.

MORE: Why ‘humbled’ Hamilton is now a part of F1’s elite
MORE: Revealed: What Vettel said to Hamilton after Mexico GP