Sir Lewis Hamilton receives knighthood at Windsor Castle

Sir Lewis Hamilton has been knighted in recognition of his prestigious career in Formula One just days after he controversially lost out on a record eighth title. The racing superstar was dubbed a knight by the Prince of Wales during a Windsor Castle investiture ceremony on Wednesday, however he declined to speak to reporters afterwards. He was joined by his mother Carmen Lockhart and was all smiles as they posed for pictures in the castle’s quadrangle.

?️ Arise Sir @LewisHamilton!

The seven-time @F1 World Champion received his Knighthood from The Prince of Wales at today’s Investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/I3xicKLLYp

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 15, 2021

SIR LEWIS HAMILTON WILL GO DOWN AS THE GREATEST!

The 36-year-old is the fourth F1 driver to be knighted, following in the footsteps of Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart and the first to be awarded the honour while still competing.

A knighthood is an award and title given by a British king or queen for high achievement and services to their country within their industry.

Hamilton was denied a record breaking eighth title on Sunday when he was controversially beaten by Max Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on the last lap.

Also read: The controversial season ending race that cost Sir Lewis 8th championship

Hamilton was awarded a MBE — a Member of the Order of the British Empire which is given to a person for making a difference in their line of work and the third highest award — in 2009 after he won his first championship.

The Mercedes driver has won more races and scored more pole positions than any other F1 driver in history. Hamilton is also the first and only Black driver in Formula One’s 70-year history. In 2020, the Briton launched the Hamilton Commission to look at ways of improving representation of Black people in UK motorsport, and after a period of consultation issued recommendations to increase diversity in the sport.

In 2021, Hamilton also launched a charity called Mission 44 which aims to empower young people from under-represented groups in the UK and support organisations in narrowing gaps in education and employment. He made a personal pledge of 20 million pounds to the charity.