Sir Lewis Hamilton, has been knighted by the Prince of Wales, Charles, at Windsor Castle investiture ceremony on Wednesday.
The honour comes just days after he controversially lost out on a record eighth title to his Red Bukk rival, Max Verstappen on Sunday at Yas Marina, in Abu Dhabi, UK Sun reports.
According to UK AFP, the deployment of the safety car after a late crash at the Yas Marina Circuit wiped out Hamilton‘s seemingly unassailable lead and Verstappen had the advantage as he was using fresher tyres.
Verstappen, on the other hand, claimed his first Formula One world title after a season-long battle with Mercedes’ Hamilton came down to a one-lap shoot-out in Abu Dhabi.
However, the 36-year-old who has won the F1 world title a record-equalling seven times was honoured for his glittering career in Motorsport and his work campaigning to support Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ issues in sport.
Hamilton who also boasts the record amount of Grand Prix wins, with 103, has become the fourth F1 icon to receive the knighthood.
He follows in the footsteps of F1 icons such as Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jack Brabham by being knighted.
The race track star was joined by his mother, Carmen Larbalestier, who posed for pictures in the castle’s quadrangle.
The knighthood Hamilton’s MBE which he received in 2009, a year after his first world championship win.
See photos below:
