Sir Lewis Hamilton has been honoured with a knighthood by Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, in recognition of his historic Formula1 achievements.
Sir Lewis Hamilton was honoured with the Knighthood on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, a few days after he narrowly missed out on a record eighth Formula One title.
Published twice a year, the honours list recognizes those who have accomplished excellence in a spectrum of pursuits, including both celebrities and non-famous faces.
Hamilton joins Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart as the fourth F1 driver to be knighted, and the first to receive the honour while still actively racing.
Having claimed a further six world championships since, and amassed a record 103 race wins, he now becomes only the fourth F1 driver to be knighted.
Sir Lewis Hamilton is the first active F1 driver to receive the accolade though with the other legendary trio all given the honour many years after their Grand Prix careers had ended.
Hamilton was made an MBE in 2009, receiving the award from Queen Elizabeth II in the wake of his maiden F1 championship.
Despite adding six further titles since he returned to be honoured on Wednesday in wildly different circumstances reeling from agonizing final-race heartbreak on Sunday.
Hamilton holds the record for the most world titles in the sport, level with legendary driver Michael Schumacher.