Hamilton awarded knighthood in New Year honours list

Lewis Hamilton has been awarded a knighthood in the 2021 New Year honours list published on Wednesday evening.

In 2020, Hamilton became statistically the most successful Formula 1 driver of all time, surpassing Michael Schumacher's long-held record of 91 grand prix wins and 155 podium finishes and equalling the German's haul of seven world titles.

Hamilton's totals now stand at 95 victories with 165 podiums.

Only three drivers have previously been knighted by the Queen with Sir Jack Brabham being honoured in 1979, Sir Stirling Moss in 2000, and Sir Jackie Stewart most recently one-year later in 2001.

With the trio receiving their titles after retiring from F1, Hamilton becomes the first active driver to be knighted. The Briton was already an MBE [Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire], a title he was awarded in the 2009 New Year honours list after taking his first world title with McLaren.

Sir Frank Williams and Sir Patrick Head are the only two non-driving members of the paddock to be recognised in this way. Hamilton was recognised on the ‘Diplomatic and Overseas List’ due to concerns surrounding his tax situation, despite the Briton being among the top 5,000 taxpayers in the country.

The 'overseas' list "recognises people who have given exceptional service to the UK abroad and internationally" and, as such, sidesteps the prerequisite tax requirements.

Since taking his seventh world title, his fourth-consecutive crown, in Turkey, Hamilton has also been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in a public vote.

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