Britain should be proud of knighted Hamilton, says Mercedes boss
Britain should be proud of knighted Hamilton, says Mercedes boss
LONDON (AFP) - Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Britain should feel proud to have a "ambassador of the calibre of Lewis Hamilton" after the Formula One world champion was awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list.
Hamilton has been recognised following a record-breaking year in which he eclipsed Michael Schumacher s all-time victory tally and emulated the German by winning a seventh world title.
Austrian Wolff, 48, has overseen Hamilton s success at Mercedes following the Briton s move from McLaren in 2013. Hamilton has won six of his seven titles with the sport s all-conquering team.
Wolff hailed the 35-year-old British driver for his sporting success and his efforts to battle discrimination.
"The news that he is to receive a knighthood shows that he is now receiving the recognition he has earned during a career of unparalleled success in motorsport," said Wolff.
"The UK can be very proud to have a champion and ambassador of the calibre of Sir Lewis Hamilton."
Monaco-based Hamilton has faced scrutiny in the past over his tax arrangements but has said he pays a substantial amount of tax in Britain.
He clinched his record-equalling title against the backdrop of his personal fight against injustices.
Hamilton took a knee before all his races to protest against racial injustice and Mercedes changed their livery from silver to black to highlight the issue of discrimination.
Britain s Damon Hill, world champion in 1996, told Sky News: "Lewis has stood up for issues that are close to his heart and affect everyone.
"In our sport it is very rare for a driver to get involved in anything that is outside of Formula One. But Lewis has said this affects every black person and he stood up at a time when it could have destabilised his career and destabilised his concentration on the championship."
