Hamilton: Knighthood would be 'the greatest honour'

Lewis Hamilton says that receiving a knighthood would be "the greatest honour" after winning his fourth Formula 1 world championship in Mexico last weekend, with bookmakers offering odds as short as 4/1 to be recognised by the Queen.

Hamilton clinched his fourth F1 title by finishing ninth in the Mexican Grand Prix, moving into an unassailable lead over Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel with two races remaining this season.

Hamilton received an MBE after clinching his first title in 2008, and is now being tipped to follow other British sports stars such as Andy Murray and Mo Farah by receiving a knighthood after becoming the country's most successful F1 driver.

“I miss the Queen. Since I had lunch with her that time when she invited me to the Palace, I’ve always wanted to go back," Hamilton said.

“That would be the greatest honour to be invited back. There are so many people who have been knighted and made OBEs and MBEs who have done wonderful things.

“I am trying to represent the country in the best way I can.

"If at some stage that is recognised by the queen then I would be incredibly honoured."

When asked if he would make people call him 'Sir Lewis', Hamilton joked: “I would enforce it to everyone! To friends, I’d be like: 'Excuse me, it is Sir Lewis…'; no, only joking.

“It is such an honour. I have friends who are sirs and whenever they text me, I reply, 'yes sir'.

“It is unique, so why not let it live in all its beauty?"