Arise, Sir Lewis! Seven time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton to be knighted.

Copyright/royalty free image from DreamsTime

Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year's Honours list following his successful title defence in 2020.

The now 35-year-old, was previously bestowed with an MBE in 2008 which he received for services to motor racing following his first F1 title at the age of 23.

A report from the Daily Mail has stated that, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson personally intervened to ensure that Hamilton's knighthood was included in the 'diplomatic and overseas List'.

A close government source told The Daily Mail Sport :

"Boris made it clear he wanted Lewis knighted."

Hamilton will now become the fourth F1 driver to be Knighted. He will follow legends such as: Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart and Jack Brabham.

Williams F1 Co-Founders Frank Williams and Patrick Head have also been bestowed with the prestigious award.

Hamilton cruised to his seventh F1 World Title after finishing 124 points ahead of his Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas. Speaking in November Hamilton stated that he would have no hesitations in accepting the award:

“Firstly, I would never ever turn down the royal family, I've grown up in the UK and I’m an avid fan of them.

“There is no greater honour than your country recognising you and honouring you with such an award.”