Motoring News

Lewis Hamilton has admitted he felt "humbled" to be included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

The young Brit, who has received an MBE, told his website that receiving the gong was "the most amazing culmination to what has been quite a year for me".

He was quick to hail the work of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team in helping him land the recognition; McLaren boss Ron Dennis has groomed him for stardom from an early age.

Hamilton said: "I am also very humbled to be included on the Honours list alongside all the members of the general public who have been recognised for their tireless work in such varied and worthwhile arenas."

The MBE, the same award that was returned to the Queen by John Lennon, will make up for any disappointment the 23-year-old might have felt after finishing second to cyclist Chris Hoy in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.

Hoy has just been given a knighthood.

Written by James Christie