Lewis Hamilton has become a seven-time Formula 1 champion this year. And now he can be called “Sir”.
The pilot was named a knight on Wednesday as part of the list of honors launched by Queen Elizabeth, which recognizes artists, politicians, civil servants and others. In particular, this year’s honors went to those who worked in the fight against coronavirus and its devastating impact.
Hamilton, who won his seventh F1 title last month on par with Michael Schumacher’s record, said part of his recent success was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. The 35-year-old fell to his knees and used anti-racism slogans on his equipment throughout the season.
“There was a different force than the one that had led me in the past,” Hamilton told the BBC last week. “I wanted to get to the end of the races first, to use that platform” against racism.
Some have suggested that Hamilton would have been invested earlier if it had not been for his tax status. The honor was given to him in the overseas section of the list, as he lives in Monaco, a low-tax country.
Hamilton’s tax problems hit the media in 2017, when the leak, known as the Paradise Papers, revealed that the pilot evaded paying more than $ 4 million in a private jet that was registered on the Island Man. a tax haven.
David Richards, chairman of the Board of Motorport UK, said Hamilton’s tax status was “completely misunderstood”. He added that the motorsport star is among the largest 5,000 taxpayers in the UK.
The Queen’s honors are awarded twice a year, in December and June.