Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has received a knighthood at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, just days after he controversially lost out on a record eighth title.
The 36-year-old was named in the Queen’s Honours List last December after he equalled Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of seven championships last year and received the knighthood.
The Mercedes’ driver was joined by his mother Carmen Lockhart during the investiture ceremony and was all smiles as they posed for pictures in the castle’s quadrangle.
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.
🏎️ 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
Hamilton missed out on a record eighth title this season after a nail-biting conclusion to the F1 season in Abu Dhabi as Max Verstappen took the title for the first time.
He 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 to the charity.
