DON’T EXPECT A KNIGHTHOOD
Sir Jackie: Lewis can’t presume he’ll get gong
SIR Jackie Stewart has said Formula One’s new four-time world champion Lewis Hamilton should not ‘expect’ a knighthood for winning ‘a few sports events’.
Hamilton ( below), who eclipsed Stewart’s joint British record of three titles at last Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix, has been widely tipped to become only the fourth F1 driver to be made a Sir, alongside Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss and Stewart.
But the Scot, who had to wait nearly 30 years after retirement to receive his knighthood in 2001, said: ‘Her Majesty the Queen is the greatest woman I have ever met in the world. I never felt overlooked before I received my knighthood. Actually, I didn’t feel I deserved it. I hope Lewis feels the same.
‘When it came, it was a surprise and a delight.’
Stewart, 78, does not have any meaningful relationship with Hamilton, though he conceded that the younger Brit, 32, is ‘undoubtedly in that group of the best drivers ever’.
He added: ‘There was a period when knighthoods were given out too spontaneously. For now, Lewis should take the trophies, the money and the public recognition that comes with success, and be proud of that. He has not achieved that on his own. For example, Ron Dennis (the former McLaren boss who sponsored Hamilton’s young career) has not been knighted and without him there may not have been a Lewis.
‘Stirling Moss had to wait 40 years after retiring to receive his. I don’t think he had any regrets during all that time about not having one. It is wonderful he has it now and he justly deserves it. Graham Hill did not have a knighthood. Jim Clark did not get one.
‘So I don’t think anyone should expect it just because he is a good sportsman and has won a few sports events. I like to think it goes much deeper than that.’
After retiring in 1973 with three world titles, Stewart continued to press for safety improvements that revolutionised the sport and was also involved in charitable causes. Meanwhile, F1 powerbrokers met yesterday to discuss the new engine specifications for 2021 and beyond. The proposal is to stick with the 1.6litre V6 hybrid, but run it at 3,000 rpm to make the
cars louder.