Lewis Hamilton Feels ‘Honoured’ at Calls for his Knighthood

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has recently responded to people calling for him to be knighted after winning his 6th F1 title. He confessed that he was flattered, however he insists that he does not expect to receive the honour any time soon.

Hamilton is already a recipient of an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II. It is now clear that he is indisputably, Britain’s most successful Formula 1 driver.

Earlier this month he wrapped up his sixth Drivers’ Championship at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. This puts him just one shy from equalling Michael Schumacher’s all-time record.

His success has led to calls from the likes of Motorsport UK chairman David Richards for the 34-year-old to be knighted. However, it was note-worthy that Lewis Hamilton downplayed the adoration from ‘the best fans’.

“I don’t really like to think too much about it,” he said. “Just the fact that people have mentioned it, it’s already an honour, but it’s not been something that I’ve been chasing in my life.”

“If, at any point, that was to happen, I don’t particularly know how I would handle it.”

“I have stood in front of Her Majesty The Queen before and it was pretty incredible and I think she’s just awesome.”

Although Hamilton is arguably one of the UK’s most successful sportspeople, his team boss Toto Wolff feels he doesn’t receive the appreciation that his success deserves.

“It is difficult for me, as an Austrian, to understand the importance of the British honours system,” Wolff told The Telegraph

“What I feel is that there is a lot of polarisation around Lewis, particularly in the UK. Why that is, I don’t know.

“But one thing I’m certain of is that one day, if he decides to stop his career, people will acknowledge his successes and what a great superstar he was.”