FURIOUS F1 fans are outraged that Lewis Hamilton has again been overlooked for a knighthood – despite winning the world title for a SIXTH time.
Angry supporters labelled the snub ‘a disgrace’, ‘disgusting’ and ‘insulting’ after Hamilton became a world champion in November.
It’s some-fing special as Lewis Hamilton counts up his titlesCredit: PA:Press Association
Lewis Hamilton crowd-surfs at Silverstone after winning the British Grand Prix in JulyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And Labour peer Peter Hain called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to justify the decision.
Lord Hain, who wrote to the PM in November urging that the F1 legend should be honoured, tweeted out his shock at the snub.
Asked why he thought Lewis had been overlooked again, he tweeted: “Very good question which @BorisJohnson @NickyMorgan01 @DCMS @andrealeadsom should answer since it was their decision ultimately and they received strong letters supporting @LewisHamilton from amongst many @motorsportuk”
Why Lewis Hamilton deserves to be knighted
David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, has also championed the cause, not least because Hamilton has had to work so hard to make it to the top.
The 34-year-old grew up on a council estate in Stevenage and remains the only black driver in F1.
Earlier this month Richards said: “I can’t think of anyone more worthy of that recognition than Lewis.
“It would be a major oversight if that is not recognised in the New Year honours.
“He is a role model for underprivileged children in the UK to show them that anything is possible.”.”
Other fans also expressed their anger and frustration on Twitter.
Some suggested that the fact he lives in tax-haven Monaco is the reason for the snub.
But others say he donates millions to charity.
There have been growing calls for Hamilton to be knighted after he won his sixth world title this year, putting him one behind Michael Schumacher’s all-time record.
Hamilton was honoured an MBE by the Queen 11 years ago when he won his first world championship.
At the time Hamilton said: “It was one of the most overwhelming experiences I’ve ever had.”
Since then Bradley Wiggins, Mo Farah, Andy Murray and Alastair Cook have all been knighted for services to sport.
In November he said a knighthood is not his biggest concern at the moment.
He said: “I don’t really like to think too much about it.
“Just the fact that people have mentioned it, it’s already an honour, but it’s not been something that I’ve been chasing in my life.”
Lewis Hamilton wins historic SIXTH Formula 1 world title after dramatic US Grand Prix to cement legacy as one of our greats
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
