Lewis Hamilton officially knighted by the Queen

From now on we will have to call him Sir Lewis Hamilton. As the British press announced for several weeks, the seven-time world champion of Formula 1 is part of the list of personalities ennobled by Queen Elizabeth II of England during the New Year. 

With each title won by the English rider, the subject of his ennoblement came up in the press. British and proud of it, Hamilton, who in 2020 became the most decorated driver in history by eclipsing the victory record of Michael Schumacher and by matching his number of titles, is investing more and more outside the circuits. He thus defends causes that are dear to him such as the protection of the environment, the fight against racism, and the promotion of diversity.

The pilot Mercedes however, retains many detractors in his country, who accuse him in particular of not paying taxes in the United Kingdom since he resides in Monaco. This controversial tax situation could have caused a blockage, but the committee in charge of approving the personalities likely to receive the country's highest distinctions found nothing to complain about in this regard. Not surprising when you know that Hamilton is one of the 5 biggest taxpayers in Britain.

King Lewis therefore joins three-time world champions Jackie Stewart and Jack Brabham, as well as the Uncrowned King Stirling Moss, in the very exclusive circle of drivers who have been elevated to the rank of Knight of the Order of the British Empire. Among the stable bosses, Frank Williams and Patrick Head are the only ones to have received such a distinction.

« Lewis is a true giant of our sport, reacted Stefano Domenicali, the new CEO of the F1 Group who will replace Chase Carey on January 1, 2021. His influence is enormous, whether behind the wheel or off the track. His track record is already phenomenal and Lewis is far from done. The whole of F1 would like to congratulate him for this absolutely deserved mark of recognition. We all look forward to admiring his talent again in 2021 ».

For this, the new knight, who had already been made a member of the Order of the British Empire after his first title in 1, will first have to renew his contract with Mercedes.