Arise Sir Lewis - Norris calls for Hamilton to be knighted

Lewis Hamilton should be given a knighthood for his achievements on and off the track to inspire other children to follow in his footsteps according to British rookie Lando Norris.

Hamilton is set to secure his seventh Formula 1 world title in Turkey this weekend, equalling the record set by Michael Schumacher after already surpassing the German’s 91-race victory haul.

The Mercedes driver has also become a global figurehead for issues such as climate change and the Black Lives Matter movement in recent years, and Norris believes he has done more than enough to earn one of Britain’s highest honours.

“Only one person in the whole world has achieved what he has done, and that’s Michael Schumacher, so he has led the way in many aspects, on the track but also off the track," said McLaren driver Norris.

“A lot of athletes who have done such things in other sports have got knighthoods so I see no reason why he shouldn’t.

“I think it is a good thing for kids who want to get into racing, or who don’t know much about racing, to be inspired by him and obviously try to achieve similar things to what he’s done.”

Hamilton has become increasingly active off the track this season and has partnered with the Royal Academy of Engineering to create The Hamilton Commission to engage more young people from black backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

When asked last year about his chances of a knighthood he said: “I don’t think it is going to happen, but that doesn’t bother me. Just the fact that people have mentioned it is an honour.

“I’ve not spent my life chasing it. It is just not something you grow up thinking of. But if it did happen I don’t know how I would handle it. I have stood in front of Her Majesty the Queen before and it was incredible. She really is awesome.”

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