FORMULA ONE champion Lewis Hamilton is set to receive a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his achievements in 2020.

The achievement is likely to be recognised with the United Kingdom’s highest honour. According to a report in The Times, Hamilton will be named in the Queen’s new year’s honours list, which will make him known formally as Sir Lewis Hamilton.

Reports suggest that the Stevenage-born racer will be knighted after Prime Minister Boris Johnson bypassed concerns over the world champion’s tax status by placing him on the ‘Diplomatic and Overseas List’.

It is understood that no previous British sporting figure has been accommodated in this way which is a measure of the Prime Minister’s desire to see Hamilton recognised in the New Year Honours on December 31 after the Mercedes star won his seventh Formula One title in November.

Hamilton was recently named the most influential black person in Britain by The Powerlist 2021 – the annual list of the most powerful people of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage in the UK.

Hamilton, who this year surpassed Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of 91 Grand Prix wins, topped the list for his achievements both on and off the track including his prominent support for the Black Lives Matter movement and for setting up The Hamilton Commission to improve diversity in UK motorsport.

The Great Briton is widely regarded as one of the most successful drivers in the history of motorsport and considered by some to be the greatest of all time. He is currently the only black driver to race in the sport. His seven world championship titles equals that of the iconic Schumacher.

He said: “It’s an absolute honour to be named number one on The Powerlist, I really really appreciate it. This for me is a monumental moment. 

“I’m so proud to be acknowledged, especially within the black community. Everyone on this list is so inspiring and leading in their own industry, I’m honestly thrilled to be mentioned alongside them.   

“I think we all have responsibility and we’re trying to do our best. I like to think that I’m just a part of a chain of many people trying to push for change.”