After winning his sixth Formula One world championship and becoming the sportsperson of the year, it seemed that everything was going right for Lewis Hamilton. So, it was not surprising that many were calling for him to gain a knighthood after his feat.
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Unfortunately, things did not work out that way and he will have to wait another year for a chance of a knighthood. This was because Hamilton was not included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Had he been bestowed the honor, he would have joined the elite ranks of fellow racing drivers Jackie Stewart, Stirling Moss, and Jack Brabham.
However, in a list which includes the likes of England cricketer Ben Stokes, Alastair Cook and tennis player Andy Murray, Hamilton’s name was absent. It was also noteworthy that Stokes beat Hamilton to BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which didn’t go down well with many motorsports fans.
Admittedly, in his maiden championship-winning year in 2008, he was awarded an MBE. However, he claims that gaining a knighthood is not among his top priorities.
Why was Lewis Hamilton Overlooked?
There cannot be any claims of racial discrimination, as Mo Farah was knighted in recent years. So in light of that, there were plenty of calls for Lewis Hamilton to be afforded the same for his achievements in Formula 1.
Interestingly, many believe that he will gain the honor if/when he wins his seventh title and equal the record set by Michael Schumacher. In spite of being on the verge of being the joint-most successful Formula 1 driver ever, he has been snubbed before. So, his fans wouldn’t hold their breath, in spite of the amount he has achieved already.
Of course, the Formula One fraternity reacted strongly to Hamilton being absent from the New Year’s list and were almost up in arms over the snub.
Andy Murray was given a Knighthood for winning Wimbledon. Lewis Hamilton wins sux world titles and remains a MBE. #BrokenHonours #NewYearHonours
I’ll be honest: I’m actually now bloody angry that @LewisHamilton has been yet again ignored in today’s #NewYearsHonours. He’s a 6-time #F1 world champion, he’s a black man who’s dominated a white man’s sport, he’s a wonderful role model, & he’s a great guy. (1/3)
Oh & before you talk about tax, @LewisHamilton is actually among the UK’s 5000 biggest tax payers, as this recent @MailOnline report by @JonathanMcEvoy7 makes clear. (2/3) dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulao…
Lewis Hamilton, 6-time F1 world champion - no knighthood. Iain Duncan Smith, the architect of the universal credit shambles - knighthood. #NewYearsHonours
No Lewis Hamilton on the New Year’s honours list in the UK. Already an MBE (as is Jenson Button), six world titles not enough for higher recognition (either OBE, CBE or knighthood). But one World Cup enough for four England cricketers to be (deservingly) recognised.
One cannot expect much from the British “establishment” these days, but once again Lewis Hamilton has been ignored in the New Year’s Honours List, proving once more that they have very limited global vision. It’s becoming insulting now he has six World Championships...
What more does Lewis Hamilton, six time champion of the elite level of motorsport, first BAME driver, and by far the greatest British Driver have to do to get an honour?!!! I mean it's fine for Iain Duncan Smith, who presided over the Universal Credit shambles.... #NewYearHonours
I don’t mean to detract from other individuals - well done to them.... but when Ben Stokes is given an OBE for ‘services to cricket’ I just wonder what Lewis Hamilton has to do to be ‘promoted’ from an MBE. Outstanding driver, inspirational for many, generous to charities...