Between the races in Turkey and Bahrain, the F1 community talked a lot about whether Lewis Hamilton would receive his knighthood soon. By the looks of it, he just might get the honor before the year is out.
Recent reports have indicated that the seven-time world champion would receive a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his achievements in 2020.
But what does fellow F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo make of the whole thing? The 31-year-old was in his natural element while talking about it. He also discussed whether he will call Hamilton, “Sir Lewis.”
Daniel Ricciardo thinks Sir Lewis Hamilton would sound a ‘little weird’
Speaking in a brief interview, Ricciardo stated, “Well I actually spoke, well, a little bit of WhatsApp exchange with the Queen Elizabeth. And she did say she was always hesitant to do so because she really wanted to give me the honor first. I guess it’s not probably fair if I obviously go in front, so time will tell.”
Having raced as a fellow driver all these years, it would naturally be a little odd for Ricciardo to call Hamilton “Sir Lewis.” However, the Australian insisted that if that was indeed a rule, he would follow it diligently.
Ricciardo on whether he’d address Hamilton as ‘Sir Lewis’ if the knighthood happens – “I actually spoke, well.. a lil bit of WhatsApp exchange with Queen Elizabeth, and she did say she was always hesitant to do so because she really wanted to give me the honour first…” from r/formula1
“It’s actually a very good question! I want to say no, but I don’t know if that’s like really disrespectful. Maybe I do have to be careful, maybe I do have to say Sir Lewis.”
“My first thought is no because it will sound a little weird. But yeah if it’s a slap on the wrist if I don’t, then maybe I’ll abide by the rules.”
Hamilton’s knighthood would indeed be well-deserved
With a stellar career in F1 and his social work, one could easily make a case for Hamilton’s knighthood. He even recently became the world champion of the 2020 season, which took his tally up to seven Drivers’ titles.
Many Britons in the past have received the recognition, most notably Sir Frank Williams. So, there’s no reason a racing legend who equaled the great Schumacher’s record should not be entitled to the honor. But like Ricciardo said, only time will tell.
