Hamilton MBE a 'massive honour'

01-05-2009 | AFP

The English driver felt humbled after receiving recognition from the Queen

Panama Star The Stevenage-born driver, 23, became the youngest winner of the Formula One championship after a dramatic finish to the Brazilian Grand Prix in November.

"It is a massive honour and incredible privilege to receive an MBE from Her Majesty the Queen," said Hamilton.

"It is the most amazing culmination to what has been quite a year for me and something I am very appreciative of."

Having come close to claiming the F1 drivers' championship in his debut season, Hamilton secured the 2008 title with a fifth-place finish at Interlagos.

The Englishman's title rival and local hero Felipe Massa won the race in his Ferrari but Hamilton passed Timo Glock at the final corner to push the Brazilian into second place in the drivers' championship. "The support I have received from the UK as a whole has been fantastic and a huge motivation," added Hamilton, who turns 24 next month and now lives in Switzerland. "This is a proud moment for me and my family.