Sir Andy Murray says Lewis Hamilton ‘definitely deserves’ a knighthood

Sir Andy Murray believes Lewis Hamilton deserves to join him as a sporting knight.

Lewis Hamilton has been tipped to win a knighthood. Picture: Mark Sutton/Getty Images

Hamilton, who won a record-equalling seventh Formula One world championship last Sunday, will reportedly receive the accolade in the New Year Honours.

“I’m not necessarily all for sportspeople being given knighthoods for what we do,” three-time grand slam winner Murray told Good Morning Britain.

“But in terms of what he has achieved as an athlete, of course he deserves it.

Andy Murray says Lewis Hamilton deserves a knighthood. Picture: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images

“As a sportsperson he’s one of the most successful sportspeople in the history of the country. He’s an amazing driver.

“He supports some great causes as well away from the racing track, so yes I would say he definitely deserves it in terms of his success.”

Murray was given his knighthood in the New Year Honours in 2016 following his second Wimbledon win and second Olympic gold medal.

Hamilton’s victory at the Turkish Grand Prix secured the 2020 title and saw him match Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world championships.

The 35-year-old, who grew up in a Stevenage council estate, is now Formula One’s most decorated driver of all time, with most wins (94), most pole positions (97) and most podiums (163).

Damon Hill, the 1996 F1 world champion, believes Hamilton is deserving of a knighthood not only for his driving achievements but also for breaking down barriers in a predominately white sport.

“Lewis has always been breaking down barriers, the moment he arrived in F1 or even in karting he was breaking barriers and challenging the status quo,” Hill told the Guardian.

“The knighthood will be seen as recognition of not just his driving but also as a black driver that has bust another door open for anyone who is not white.

“He has destroyed the preconception that it can’t be done, that there is an area where you cannot achieve something because of the colour of your skin. He has totally destroyed that notion.”

Only three other F1 drivers have been knighted: Jackie Stewart, Stirling Moss and Jack Brabham.

Hamilton was awarded an MBE after he took his first title in 2008 for McLaren.

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