Seven-time Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton is made a knight in an investiture ceremony conducted at Winsor Castle, England. The knighthood bestowed onto Hamilton by Prince Charles was in recognition of the 36-year-old racer’s contributions to the motorsport world. Hamilton received his MBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2009 after winning his first F1 championship.
Hamilton is the sport’s first Black driver to receive the title and the fourth F1 driver to be knighted. He is also the only one to receive the knighthood while still racing. The three predecessors who have also been knighted include Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart.
Appearing in a black double-breasted suit, Hamilton wore a brooch from Cartier High Jewellery and the dazzling piece is encrusted with rubies and diamonds over platinum.
The Mercedes driver has a record-breaking 103 Grand Prix titles and is also an advocate for fighting racism. Understanding the influence he has on social media, he actively champions for diversity in both the motoring world as well the fashion industry. The latter of which he bought a table at the Met Gala and invited young emerging designers to attend the ball.
In the motoring world, he has set up the Hamilton Commission that comprised of a panel of experts that looks into how it can bring more diversity into the motorsport industry. In his own capacity, he has pledged £20 million to his personal charity foundation called Mission 44.
The investiture ceremony comes after losing the 2021 title to Red Bull driver Max Verstappen last Sunday. The 24-year-old Dutchman edged out Hamilton to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and become the latest world champion.
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