SAN FRANCISCO, November 18, (THEWILL) – Queen Elizabeth II has felicitated with British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton amidst calls by fans for the British driver to be knighted.
The Queen congratulated the world champion for winning the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday on social media. In the tweet shared via the Royal Family’s Twitter account, the Monarch said:
“Congratulations to record-equalling seven-time F1 World Championship title winner @LewisHamilton – along with a record number of race wins, what an incredible achievement!”
The 35-year-old Hamilton responded to the message. “What an incredible honour. Thank you so much.”
Many Twitter users and fans of speed racing across the globe joined the Queen in congratulating the record-breaking achievements of Hamilton this year.
There were some fans who went as far as calling on the Monarch to offer Hamilton a knighthood for his dedicated and professional representation of the nation in sports.
One of these, who has made his mind public is David Richards, Motorsport UK chairman and the All Party Parliamentary Group for Formula One. He penned a letter to the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wherein he campaigned for Hamilton to be knighted in the New Year Honours.
“It would be totally wrong for the UK to deny Lewis an award befitting his historic achievements because of where he chooses to live or work or because his tax status has been misunderstood.
“Even though Lewis is resident in Monaco (Sir Jackie Stewart was based in Switzerland for many years whilst racing along with nearly every F1 driver).”
Another person, in response to the Queen’s felicitations, posted: “Thank you Ma’am You have risen 1000 times in my estimation for acknowledging this great athlete & asset to Britain. Please do not forget him in your New Year or Birthday Honours list. Thank you from one of your citizens.”
A third person wrote: “An amazing ambassador and legend in his sport. He flies the flag for us all around the world. It’s our national anthem played every time. Acknowledge his achievements he deserves a knighthood! Well done Lewis so proud of you.”
Another user added: “Thank you for recognising him. All of England should be applauding this man! He’s the greatest sportsman the country has ever had, hands down. He is the one that has made Sundays synonymous with the British anthem and we’re not going to see this again, at least not at this level.”
Mr Hamilton was previously invited to a private lunch with the Queen and was awarded an MBE in 2009.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
