Sir Andy Murray insists Lewis Hamilton ‘deserves’ a knighthood after clinching a seventh F1 world title but admits he is NOT a fan of sportspeople receiving the honour
- Lewis Hamilton is expected to receive a knighthood in the New Year Honours List
- He moved level with Michael Schumacher on seven world titles this month
- But Murray, knighted last year, is not a fan of sportspeople being honoured
Andy Murray believes that Lewis Hamilton deserves to join him among the sporting knights after he drew level with Michael Schumacher on seven world titles this month.
Sportsmail revealed last week that Hamilton is set to be knighted after prime minister Boris Johnson personally intervened to secure him the accolade.
But Murray, himself knighted in 2019, admits that he does not necessarily support the idea of sportspeople being rewarded for their efforts.
Lewis Hamilton ‘deserves’ a knighthood for his seventh world title, believes Andy Murray
‘I’m not necessarily all for sportspeople being given knighthoods for what we do,’ the three-time Grand Slam champion told Piers Morgan on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
‘In terms of what he’s achieved as an athlete, of course he deserves it. 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 yeah, I would say he definitely deserves it in terms of his achievements.’
Murray was knighted in 2019 but admits he is not a fan of sportspeople being honoured
Mercedes’ Hamilton won his record-equalling seventh World Championship title in November
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson intervened personally to ensure the award for Hamilton
Hamilton’s impending knighthood — which was revealed in the Sun on Sunday — will make him the fourth F1 driver to be knighted after Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart, all awarded post-retirement.
Williams team founders Sir Frank Williams and Sir Patrick Head complete grand prix racing’s roll call of knights.
Publicly Hamilton, who is close to signing a new £40m-a-year contract with Mercedes, has been reticent over his desire for the distinction.
He said last week: ‘When I think about being knighted, I think of people like my grandad who served in the war. And Captain Tom, who waited 100 years.
‘Then you have these doctors and nurses who are saving lives at this hardest time ever. I don’t look at myself as an unsung hero. I haven’t saved anybody.’