Lewis Hamilton knighted by Prince Charles days after F1 heartbreak

His knighthood comes just days after rival Max Verstappen won his maiden Formula 1 world title in controversial fashion, with his season-long battle with Hamilton coming down to just one-lap in Abu Dhabi.

When Williams driver Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers late into the race, the safety car was deployed at the Yas Marina Circuit. This saw Hamilton’s significant lead drastically reduced, with Verstappen boasting the advantage as he was using fresher tyres.

The decision to allow lapped cars to pass the safety car was extremely controversial, and Sir Lewis – who looked destined to win a record eighth world title – said on the car radio “This has been manipulated, man”, but was later complementary to the Dutchman in post-race interviews.

After the race, he told Sky Sports: “Congratulations to Max and his team. I think we did an amazing job this year. Everyone back at the factory and here worked so hard in this most difficult of seasons.”

It remains to be seen whether Mercedes will follow through with their decision to appeal after they lodged an intention to appeal the verdict of the second protest dismissal, which relates to the Safety Car protocol.

Related links:

• Lewis Hamilton says race was ‘manipulated’ in unheard team radio message
• Jeremy Clarkson rubs salt in Hamilton’s wounds after controversial Verstappen win
• Hamilton’s brother slams FIA as a ‘disgrace to the sport’ after Verstappen clinches title