Britain’s Lewis Hamilton has been knighted in the UK, according to the New Year’s Honours List, after equalling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula 1 world championship titles, it was reported on Thursday (31/12/2020).
The 35-year-old, the first and only black driver in motorsport’s premier class, equalled Germany’s Michael Schumacher during the exceptional 2020 season that was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Last month, a group of British MPs called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to knight the pilot.
From humble backgrounds, Hamilton dedicated his victory in Turkey on November 15 to “the kids and the humble people” and asked them to “dream the impossible, pursue your dreams, and never doubt yourself.”
Hamilton, who lives in Monaco, has been in the spotlight in the past over his tax status, but has shown he paid a significant amount of tax in Britain.
The Mercedes driver – both flattering and controversial – has become a passionate advocate for equality, diversity, animals and the environment, as well as human rights, democracy and the fight against racism.
The UK’s New Year’s Honours List rewards achievements in a range of fields, including sport, entertainment and politics, as well as the contributions of a wide range of ordinary citizens. This year, several awards were given to those who are finding solutions to the problems caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). (AFP)
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