Sir Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula One champion, is knighted at Windsor Castle

 

 

After being denied a record-breaking eighth Formula One world title, Lewis Hamilton was knighted on Wednesday. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on the penultimate lap thanks to a contentious decision by race director Michael Masi.

Hamilton, 36, was celebrated for his contributions to motorsports during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, where he was knighted by the Prince of Wales.

Following a remarkable year in which he equaled Michael Schumacher’s all-time wins total by capturing a seventh world title, Hamilton was knighted in the New Year Honours list, joining Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss, and Sir Jack Brabham as the fourth F1 racer to be knighted.

Meanwhile, with an 11-second lead over Verstappen on Sunday, the Mercedes driver was cruising to win to seal the 2021 title, but an accident brought a safety car onto the circuit.

To line up Hamilton and Verstappen on the penultimate lap, Michael Masi controversially permitted vehicles to past the safety car. Hamilton was unable to pit for new tyres, but the Red Bull crew was able to bring Verstappen in for a new set, allowing him to win.