Lewis Hamilton to receive knighthood at Windsor Castle

Seven time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton will be knighted at Windsor Castle in England on Wednesday 15 December 2021 for services to motorsport, royal officials have confirmed.

The racing legend missed out on what would have been a record-breaking eighth world title in heartbreaking circumstances on Sunday in a race where he was leading rival Max Verstappen going into the last lap in Abu Dhabi as both men battled it out for the crown. But having been allowed to close the gap to Hamilton due to a safety car, Verstappen passed the Brit on the final lap, benefiting from driving on newer and faster soft tyres.

Since the dramatic end to the season ending race that denied him the history breaking feat, Hamilton has not spoken in public and it remains to be seen how the event will unfold.

Hamilton's knighthood was announced in the Queen's New Year Honours last December. Previously, he was awarded an MBE in 2009 following his first world title. The Stevenage born racer will become the fourth F1 driver to be knighted after Sir Jackie Stewart in 2001, Sir Stirling Moss in 2000 and Sir Jack Brabham in 1979.

Despite his achievements this season, some that were record breaking such as becoming the driver with the most F1 wins, the 36-year-old is not on the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, with tennis hotshot Emma Raducanu the big favourite to land the gong on Sunday evening.

The US Open champion is joined by boxing icon Tyson Fury, diver Tom Daley, Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, Dame Sarah Storey and Adam Peaty.

Additional reporting by The Mirror.