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Sir Lewis Hamilton Given Knighthood by Prince Charles at Windsor Castle
December 15, 2021
Sir Lewis Hamilton was officially awarded a knighthood by the Prince of Wales during a ceremony at England's Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
Hamilton became the fourth Formula One driver to receive the distinction, joining Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jack Brabham. The British superstar was honored for his "services to motorsport" as a seven-time F1 champion.
SmallCaps AL @uorrembife"Sir Lewis Hamilton has officially been made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales after being awarded a Knighthood in the Queen's New Year Honours last December. The seven-time F1 champion has been recognised for his services to motorsport, having been made an MBE in 2009." <a href="https://t.co/X8EemcpR19">pic.twitter.com/X8EemcpR19</a>
His latest moment in the spotlight came just three days after his controversial loss to Max Verstappen on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to cap their memorable battle for the 2021 F1 championship.
Hamilton held the late lead and looked in prime position to capture his eighth title. However, Nicholas Latifi's crash on lap 52 of 58 brought out the safety car, changing the complexion of the race. Race director Michael Masi then made the controversial decision to let the lapped cars pass the safety car, which moved Verstappen right behind Hamilton for the final-lap restart rather than having to navigate five lapped opponents.
Verstappen, on fresher tires, was able to make a pass during the last lap and held off a few final pushes by Hamilton to hold on for the Abu Dhabi win and the overall season title.
"Congratulations to Max and his team," Hamilton told Sky Sports after the narrow loss. "I think we did an amazing job this year. Everyone back at the factory and here worked so hard in this most difficult of seasons."
Meanwhile, Dieter Rencken and Keith Collantine of RaceFans reported Mercedes refused to take part in a post-season photoshoot Wednesday and continues to weigh its options to appeal Sunday's result.
Hamilton, who owns 103 wins and 182 podiums in his F1 career, didn't speak with reporters about the situation after the knighthood ceremony.
The 36-year-old driver previously received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) distinction from Queen Elizabeth in 2008.