UK honors F1 driver Hamilton with knighthood

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Seven-time Formula One champion Sir Lewis Hamilton was knighted by the Prince of Wales on Wednesday for his service to the world of motorsports.

"Arise Sir Lewis Hamilton! The seven-time F1 World Champion received his Knighthood from The Prince of Wales at today's Investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle," the British Royal Family said on Twitter.

Mercedes' Hamilton, 36, missed a record eighth Formula 1 title on Dec. 12 as Red Bull Racing Honda's Dutch driver Max Verstappen became the F1 champion for the first time at the season-end Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Verstappen passed Hamilton on the final lap to claim the Abu Dhabi GP victory and the 2021 world title.

Hamilton came in second at the Yas Marina Circuit to be the 2021 runner-up.

Alongside his new teammate George Russell, Hamilton will try to break the record in 2022.

Hamilton, who won his first Formula 1 championship in 2008, was previously awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire or MBE the same year.