Lewis Hamilton has added another feather to his cap today after being knighted, winning the L’Equipe World Male Athlete of the Year award.
For the world, 2020 might have been the worst year since World War 2, but for Lewis Hamilton, it will go down as one of his most successful.
Arise, Sir @LewisHamilton ⚔️ We couldn’t be prouder, LH ❤️
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 31, 2020
Firstly, he won a record-equalling seventh world title, equalling the Greatest Of All Time, Michael Schumacher. And today is undoubtedly the most memorable day of the year, after being awarded the knighthood in the New Year Honours. This has now been followed up by him winning the L’Equipe World Male Athlete of the Year award.
Lewis Hamilton, apart from dominating on the track, also shone off it for his racial diversity campaign. With the #BlackLivesMatter issue picking up steam, the Brit led from the front, starting a campaign that saw drivers take a knee before races. Apart from that, he also got Mercedes to change their traditional silver livery to black.
He recently spoke about how proud he is of Mercedes for the assistance given to the NHS for the fight against Covid-19. Formula 1 has led from the front, with the Project Pitlane an inspiring fight against the ‘invisible enemy’.
Female Athlete winner calls it unreal to share the award with Lewis Hamilton
Biathlete Marte Olsbu Røiseland won the World’s Best Female Athlete award and called it “unreal’ to share the award with Lewis Hamilton. Rafael Nadal, meanwhile, was the runners-up on the male list.
“I think it is very unreal that little me stands next to big him, I will be the first to admit it. He’s a superstar, and it’s not possible to compare me to him. I am just very humbled to be allowed to receive such an award.”