DAVID COULTHARD ‘doesn’t understand’ why Lewis Hamilton has not been knighted despite his heroic sporting success.
And the former Formula One driver asked whether ‘he has done something that would make him not acceptable’ to receive the honour.
David Coulthard cannot get his head around the fact Lewis Hamilton still has not been knightedCredit: Reuters
The F1 driver received his MBE from the Queen in 2009 after winning his first world titleCredit: PA:Press Association
Hamilton won his record-breaking 92nd F1 race in Portugal on Sunday, passing Michael Schumacher’s 14-year record.
But while Mo Farah and Andy Murray were made Sirs in 2017, Hamilton must still settle for the MBE he was awarded after winning his first world championship in 2008.
And Coulthard is baffled by his lack of knighthood.
Asked whether Hamilton deserves the accolade, the Scot – himself an MBE – told BBC Radio 5Live: “100 per cent. I don’t understand why so many world championships into his career (he hasn’t been awarded knighthood).
“He is a global ambassador for Britain.
“We’ve got a true world championship in Formula One. We’ve got Lewis there, proudly holding the Union Jack above his head.
“Everywhere and every time he has the opportunity to do so.
“So, does anyone know a reason why – has he done something that would make him not acceptable under the current regulations to knight him?
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“Because I think he deserves it more than some others.”
Hamilton, 35, has often divided opinion but there is no denying his impact both on and off the track.
He is well on course to equal Schumacher’s haul of seven world titles this year and cement his status as one of, if not the, greatest of all time in F1.
And the Brit has used his public profile to champion causes close to his heart including the Black Lives Matter movement, fight climate change and support various charities.
Hamilton won a record-breaking 92nd F1 race at the Portugal GP on SundayCredit: Splash News
The six-time champion has been a vocal voice in the fight against racism in society as well as other worthwhile causesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Coulthard was made an MBE but reckons Hamilton deserves a knighthood for his services to sportCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Lewis Hamilton on his 92nd win and beating Michael Schumacher’s record
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
