Lewis Hamilton's incredible year has been capped by a knighthood for services to motorsport.

The 35-year-old equalled Michael Schumacher's record of seven Formula One world titles this year as he continues to dominate the sport, and his achievements have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.

Hamilton has not resided permanently in the UK since 2007, and his knighthood was included on the Diplomatic and Overseas List.

He initially moved to Switzerland and then on to Monaco, both considered tax havens, though he has defended the amount of tax he pays in the UK.

"It was a different drive than what I've had in me in the past, to get to the end of those races first so that I could utilise that platform (for Black Lives Matter) and shine the light as bright as possible."

Asked by Olusoga if he had been concerned about the response to his stance, Hamilton replied: "There is no way that I could stay silent. And once I said that to myself, I didn't hold any fear."

A contract for next year is still to be signed, but 2021 could be the year Hamilton overtakes Schumacher to be the most decorated driver in the history of the sport.

Stefano Domenicali, who will become the new president and chief executive of F1 in January, said: "Lewis is a true giant of our sport and his influence is huge both in and out of a car.

"What he has achieved is phenomenal with still more to come. All of us at Formula One congratulate him on this well deserved recognition of his achievements and look forward to seeing more of his brilliance in 2021"