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Lewis Hamilton
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Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton fans vented their frustration after the five-time Formula 1 world champion was not present in the New Year’s honours list, despite another title-winning year in 2018. Hamilton was awarded an MBE in 2008 after winning his first world championship but further recognition has not followed.
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Sporting stars among those honoured in the Queen’s New Year list included former England cricket captain Alastair Cook, who was knighted, and manager Gareth Southgate and Tottenham Hotspurs player Harry Kane – both recognised for the England football team’s run to the World Cup semi-finals.
Theories for a failure to upgrade Hamilton’s honour further are wide-ranging. Some have pointed to his residency in Monaco, reports that linked him to the Panama Papers scandal and the simple fact that he remains in active competition.
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Lewis Hamilton
The post of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is considerer to be one of the highest honours for a British citizen to receive. This likely explains why many Hamilton fans were upset despite his achievements.
Now, Hamilton will be looking forward to the 2019 season and hopefully winning his 6th F1 title. However, the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull will not make things easy for them. Especially with their new recruits, Charles LeClerc and Pierre Gasly respectively.
England manager Gareth Southgate was awarded an OBE and captain Harry Kane an MBE following the nation’s memorable run to the World Cup semi-finals.
Southgate has revived England’s prospects since becoming the permanent manager in November 2016, and masterminded their first foray into the World Cup last four in 28 years.
England later beat Spain and Croatia to reach next summer’s inaugural Nations League finals. From the long list of awardees, it was surprising to many that Hamilton was absent, considering he is a 5-time world champion.
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Harry Kane
