Sir Lewis Hamilton has been officially knighted by HRH The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle today (15 December).

The Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 driver was awarded the honour at the turn of the year after equalling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven titles, a landmark he narrowly failed to eclipse after finishing as runner up to Max Verstappen in this year’s World Championship.

It marks the second occasion on which the 36-year-old has been honoured by the Royal Family, having previously been made an MBE after securing his first title in 2008.

Attending the ceremony alongside Mother, Carmen, Hamilton made his first public appearance since the title-deciding race in Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, and is set to attend the FIA’s Prize Giving Gala in Paris on Thursday (16 Dec).

Beyond that, preparations will shortly begin for Hamilton as he targets a record-breaking eighth title alongside fellow Brit George Russell at the Brackley-based Mercedes team in 2022.