Formula 1 champion, Lewis Hamilton is set to be knighted by the crown after a successful sporting year on and off the race track.

Hamilton who lived in tax exile in Monaco became eligible for knighthood after Prime Minister Boris Johnson placed him on the ‘Diplomatic and Overseas List’ in order to bypass tax concerns.

Daily Mail reports that Johnson is determined for Hamilton to be honoured, so much so that he has controversially put him on the aforementioned list so that he can be involved in the New Year Honours on Thursday.

A source allegedly told the publication that “Boris made it clear he wanted Lewis knighted so everyone was backed into a corner.”

Be that as it may, the 35-year-old will become the fourth F1 to be knighted, following in the footsteps of Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart.

Hamilton was awarded with an MBE in 2008, following his first world title.

Hamilton in 2020

• He was influential in the campaign for greater diversity in the sport.
• The Formula 1 star won a record-equalling seventh world championship
• BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year
• GQ Men Of The Year Awards (Game Changer)
• Supported #EndSARS campaign against police brutality in Nigeria