Seven-time F1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton has been knighted amongst several sporting names in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.
Hamilton earned his knighthood in which he becomes Sir Lewis Hamilton after a stunning 2020 Formula One season which saw him become the all-time record race winner in Portugal before sealing a record-equalling seventh title in Turkey and is the first active British F1 driver to be knighted, with Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart receiving their knighthoods post-retirement.
The Stevenage born Brit also claimed a seventh home victory at the British Grand Prix and missed a thrilling Sakhir GP after suffering from Coronavirus before bouncing back in Abu Dhabi with a third-placed finish.
Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff paid tribute to Hamilton’s achievement, saying; “Around the world, he has long been recognised for his sporting achievement; this year, he combined his excellence on the track with a powerful voice to fight discrimination. In every sense, he led the way in 2020.
“The news that he is to receive a knighthood shows that he is 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.”
Read More - Three Reasons Why Lewis Hamilton Deserves a Knighthood
Across in Football, 1966 World Cup winners – Jimmy Greaves and Ron Flowers were awarded MBE, with ex Tottenham and Chelsea striker, Greaves “deeply honoured” to be recognised for his services to football by The Queen.
Speaking on his passion for the sport to Tottenham’s official website, Greaves said; “Football has been my life, from the day I started kicking a ball around as a kid at home in Essex, to signing for Chelsea at 15, then to Milan, those wonderful nine years at Spurs, then West Ham and, later my work in television and the media. There have been highs and lows, but it’s a game I will always love and will always be part of me.”
Spurs Chairman, Daniel Levy paid tribute to Greaves’ MBE honour, saying; “As someone who remains to this day the Club’s all-time record goalscorer, revered by generations of fans across the country for his achievements in the game, we believe this recognition is truly deserved.”
Levy also acknowledged the positivity of this announcement after a tough year, as he said; “The news means we end what has been such a challenging year on a hugely positive note – Jimmy continues to serve as an inspiration to us all.”
Former Wolves midfielder and now Club Vice President, Flowers meanwhile was part of the only World Cup winning Three Lions squad in 1966 yet had to wait until 2009 to be awarded his winner’s medal, with Wolves noting in a special tribute that Flowers was “… just happy to be part of one of the greatest days in English football history.” given his modest nature.
Ex England Lionesses’ Gillian Coultard and former Swansea City forward, Alan Curtis were also awarded MBE for their services to football.
Rugby League legend, Rob Burrows, Exeter Chiefs’ Joe Simmonds, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby chair – Kevin Aitchison and British Billie Jean King Captain, Anne Keothvong are also amongst sporting stars awarded a MBE honour.
Exeter Chiefs’ Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter was awarded an OBE for his services to Rugby with the 49 year-old at first believing it wasn’t true, saying; “I couldn’t quite work out if it was real or whether it was spam or someone having bit of a prank!”
Sport promoter, Barry Hearn and National League chairman, Brian Barwick have also been awarded an OBE, whilst boxer – Curtis Woodhouse has been awarded the British Empire Medal.
In Horse Racing, Racing Association Chairman, Maggie Carver and former jockey Bob Champion have received MBE honours alongside Chief Executive of the R&A, Peter Dawson.
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