Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was awarded a knighthood in the UK New Year's honours list published on Wednesday. The citation referred to Hamilton's sporting record and his "charitable and philanthropic contributions in the UK and overseas". Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff hailed Hamilton, who won his first title with McLaren in 2008, as the most successful British sportsperson of his era. The knighthood, he added, showed that Hamilton -- often seen as a polarising figure -- was "now receiving the recognition he has earned during a career of unparalleled success in motorsport". "The UK can be very proud to have a champion and ambassador of the calibre of Sir Lewis Hamilton," added the Austrian.

Source: The Star December 30, 2020 22:30 UTC