LEWIS HAMILTON has been named Sports Personality of the Year 2020.
The Formula 1 legend has won the gong for a second time, having earned the title back in 2014.
The seven-time champion collected his award remotelyCredit: supplied by Pixel8000
Hamilton won his seventh Driver’s Championship in Istanbul last monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Hamilton, 35, beat off stiff competition from the likes of third-placed Hollie Doyle and runner-up Jordan Henderson, as well as Tyson Fury, Stuart Broad and Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Upon winning the award, he said: “Congratulations to all the new incredible nominees.
“I’m so proud of what they have achieved this year and I really want to say thank you to everyone who has called in and voted for me.
“I really wasn’t expecting this, knowing there was so many great contenders, but I think we’re all winners.
“I really want to send a merry Christmas to everyone, I know it’s been such an unusual year – but all the frontline workers, all the children around the world, please try and stay positive through this difficult time.
“Sending everyone positivity and again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
On being one of a number of great drivers to have won the award, Hamilton continued: “It shows many iconic heroes we have here in the UK, again I’m really proud to be among them all.
“I will continue to try and do my part representing the country in the best way I can and please everyone out there, go out and follow your dreams, to all the kids – please, never give up on yourself, continue to believe in yourself, because you have what it takes to be great.”
Hamilton delivered an uplifting winner’s speech to hosts Clare Balding and Alex ScottCredit: PA:Press Association
The Brit secured his 94th Grand Prix win in Istanbul last monthCredit: AFP
Hamilton has been an important voice within F1’s battle for racial equalityCredit: Getty – Pool
The Mercedes driver won a fourth Driver’s Championship in a row this season, his seventh overall.
And he beat F1 legend Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 Grand Prix wins along the way.
Victory at the Turkish Grand Prix last month saw Hamilton extend the record to 94.
After the win in Istanbul Hamilton, who has also won Championships in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019, said: “To all the kids out there, dream the impossible.
“Seven is just unimaginable but when you work with such a great group of people and you really trust each other, there is just no end to what you can do together.
“I feel like I’m only just getting started, it’s really weird.”
Hamilton has also been a fearless promoter of racial equality this year.
The fearless star will keep promoting the message of social justiceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford received a Special Award for his outstanding charity workCredit: PA:Press Association
Jurgen Klopp was recognised as Coach of the YearCredit: PA:Press Association
The Brit called for Formula 1 to do more to promote diversity within the organisation back in July.
And he could often be seen on track wearing his Black Lives Matter shirts.
Hamilton has also continued his campaign to try and help save the environment this year, by launching an all-electric racing team to take part in Extreme E championship.
And the F1 star is to soon be knighted in the New Year’s Honours list.
Former winner Damon Hill wrote: “Congrats to @LewisHamilton on his second SPOTY. Some of you may have seen me not concentrating. Apologies. I was Tweeting when I should have been smiling. But you try smiling for 2 hrs just in case!”
Elsewhere on the night, Liverpool scooped the Team of the Year award, while manager Jurgen Klopp secured Coach of the Year.
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford was recognised for his outstanding charitable work off the pitch, by receiving a brand new Special Award following his successful campaign for free school meals to be given to children that need them most during the holidays.
UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was named World Sport Star of the Year.
Jordan Henderson was runner-up in the main awardCredit: PA:Press Association
Hollie Doyle came thirdCredit: PA:Press Association
Lewis Hamilton to be awarded knighthood in New Year’s Honours after 7th F1 world championship win
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
