Britain should be ‘proud’ of knighted Hamilton, says Mercedes boss | Racing News – Times of India

LONDON: Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Britain should really feel proud to have a “ambassador of the calibre of Lewis Hamilton” after the Formula One world champion was awarded a knighthood within the New Year Honours checklist.
Hamilton has been recognised following a report-breaking 12 months by which he eclipsed Michael Schumacher‘s all-time victory tally and emulated the German by successful a seventh world title.
Austrian Wolff, 48, has overseen Hamilton’s success at Mercedes following the Briton’s transfer from McLaren in 2013. Hamilton has gained six of his seven titles with the game’s all-conquering staff.
Wolff hailed the 35-12 months-previous 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,” stated Wolff.
“The UK can be very proud to have a champion and ambassador of the calibre of Sir Lewis Hamilton.”
Monaco-based Hamilton has confronted scrutiny prior to now over his tax preparations however has stated he pays a considerable quantity of tax in Britain.
He clinched his report-equalling title towards the backdrop of his private struggle towards injustices.
Hamilton took a knee earlier than all his races to protest towards racial injustice and Mercedes modified their livery from silver to black to spotlight the problem of discrimination.
Britain’s Damon Hill, world champion in 1996, informed Sky News: “Lewis has stood up for issues that are close to his heart and affect everyone.
“In our sport it is extremely uncommon for a driver to get entangled in something that’s outdoors of Formula One. But Lewis has stated this impacts each black individual and he stood up at a time when it may have destabilised his profession and destabilised his focus on the championship.”