London: Seven time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has been awarded a knighthood for services to motorsport in the UK New Years honours list.
The 35-year-old continued to dominate Formula One again this year and equalled Michael Schumacher's record number of titles in November.
Hamilton is now the most successful F1 driver ever after setting a new record for most race wins (95) this season.
Hamilton has not resided permanently in the UK since 2007, and his knighthood was included on the Diplomatic and Overseas List.
The award, which dates back to medieval times and carries the title 'Sir', is given to a select few for exceptional achievement in any given activity, with previous F1 recipients including Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Frank Williams, Sir Patrick Head and Sir Jack Brabham.
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"Lewis is a true giant of our sport and his influence is huge both in and out of a car. What he has achieved is phenomenal with still more to come," said Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1's incoming CEO, in an official statement.
"All of us at Formula 1 congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition of his achievements and look forward to seeing more of his brilliance in 2021," he added.
Hamilton equaled Schumacher's record after an astounding performance in the Turkish Grand Prix in November this year, which was also his 10th victory of the season.
