Lewis Hamilton will not forget 2020 in a hurry. It was the year he ripped up Formula One's record books, became Britain's noisiest sporting voice in the fight for equality, and one which is set to see him honoured with a trip to Buckingham Palace.

But let us cast our minds back 12 months. After wrapping up his fifth title in six seasons, Hamilton headed for his traditional off-season break in Colorado plotting how to match Michael Schumacher as the greatest driver of all time.

At winter testing, Hamilton's Mercedes team revealed the Dual Axis Steering (DAS) system which would put the sport's all-conquering team on another stratosphere.

He returned for the season-finale in Abu Dhabi still feeling the after-effects of the deadly disease.

"I am just happy to be alive," he said.

Hamilton is odds-on to be recognised with a BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, while a knighthood is also very much in the offing.

Arise, Sir Lewis? It would be a fitting end to a quite remarkable year.