Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, of Britain, reacts following the Formula One US Grand Prix auto race at the Circuit of the Americas, Sunday, Nov. 3, 1303, in Austin, Texas. – ERIC GAY / AP / SIPA
Lewis Hamilton was knighted in the UK, promoted to knight on the New Year’s Honors list, after having equaled
Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula 1 world titles.
The first and only black driver in the premier class of motorsport, aged 20 years, equaled the German Michael Schumacher in an exceptional season 2019, shortened due to the pandemic. Last month, a group of British parliamentarians asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to elevate the pilot to the rank of knight.
“Dream the impossible”
Coming from a modest background, Hamilton had dedicated his victory of 15, in Turkey, “to the children and to all those for whom it is important to see this”, telling them: “dream the impossible, pursue this dream, never doubt yourself”
Hamilton, resident in the Principality of Monaco, was in the hot seat by the passed for his tax situation, but he claimed he paid a significant amount of tax in Britain.
The – beloved and controversial – Mercedes driver has become a staunch defender of equality, diversity, the animal cause and the environment, and made several strong statements this year on human rights, democracy and the fight against racism.
The UK New Year’s Honors list recognizes outstanding achievement in various fields including sport, entertainment and politics, as well as contributions of a large number of ordinary citizens. This year, many prizes have been awarded to those who seek solutions to the problems posed by the coronavirus as the pandemic drags on.