Formula One racing is a popular sport in the UK, with millions of fans tuning in to watch races each year.
It is a high-speed, high-stakes sport that demands skill, courage, and a willingness to take risks.
Over the years, many drivers have made a name for themselves in Formula One racing, but only a select few have been honored with knighthoods.
In this article, we will explore the lives and careers of the F1 drivers who have been knighted and what it means to be knighted in the UK.
The First F1 Driver to be Knighted: Sir Jack Brabham
Sir Jack Brabham was the first F1 driver to be knighted.
He was born in Australia in 1926 and began his career in motorsports in the late 1940s.
Brabham had a successful career in Formula One racing, winning the World Championship in 1959, 1960, and 1966.
He was also the only driver to win the championship in a car that he had built himself.
In 1979, Brabham was knighted for his contributions to motorsports.
Brabham’s knighthood ceremony was held at Buckingham Palace, where he was presented with the honor by Queen Elizabeth II.
The ceremony was a significant moment in Brabham’s life and career, and it highlighted his achievements and contributions to the sport of Formula One racing.
Sir Jackie Stewart
Sir Jackie Stewart is another F1 driver who has been knighted. He was born in Scotland in 1939 and began his career in motorsports in the 1960s.
Stewart had a successful career in Formula One racing, winning the World Championship in 1969, 1971, and 1973.
He is also known for his contributions to safety improvements in the sport, including the use of safety barriers and the introduction of better helmets.
Stewart was knighted in 2001 for his contributions to motorsports and his work on improving safety in the sport.
He was presented with the honor by Prince Charles at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Stewart’s knighthood is a testament to his achievements and contributions to the sport of Formula One racing.
Sir Stirling Moss
Sir Stirling Moss is another F1 driver who has been knighted.
He was born in England in 1929 and began his career in motorsports in the 1940s.
Moss had a successful career in Formula One racing, finishing as the runner-up in the World Championship four times.
He is also known for his sportsmanship and his willingness to help his fellow drivers.
Moss was knighted in 2000 for his contributions to motorsports and his work in promoting British interests abroad.
He was presented with the honor by Prince Charles at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Moss’s knighthood is a testament to his achievements and contributions to the sport of Formula One racing.
Other F1 Drivers Who Have Been Knighted
In addition to Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Jackie Stewart, and Sir Stirling Moss, there are several other F1 drivers who have been knighted.
These include Sir Frank Williams, Sir Patrick Head, and Sir Colin Chapman. All three were recognized for their contributions to the sport of Formula One racing, including their work on designing and building race cars.
Sir Frank Williams was knighted in 1999 for his contributions to motorsports and his work as a team owner.
Sir Patrick Head was knighted in 2015 for his contributions to motorsports and his work in designing race cars.
Sir Colin Chapman was posthumously knighted in 1988 for his contributions to motorsports and his work in designing race cars.
How Many Formula 1 Drivers Have Been Knighted?
There have been six Formula One drivers who have been knighted so far: Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Frank Williams, Sir Patrick Head, and Sir Colin Chapman.
Who Were the First F1 Drivers to be Knighted?
The first Formula One driver to be knighted was Sir Jack Brabham, who was knighted in 1979.
Sir Jackie Stewart and Sir Stirling Moss were also later knighted for their contributions to motorsports and their success in Formula One racing.
How Many British F1 Drivers Have Been Knighted?
All six of the Formula One drivers who have been knighted are British. Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Frank Williams, Sir Patrick Head, and Sir Colin Chapman were all born in the United Kingdom and have made significant contributions to motorsports, particularly in Formula One racing.
Has Lewis Hamilton Been Knighted?
Yes, Lewis Hamilton was knighted in the 2021 New Year Honours for his services to motorsport.
He is the latest Formula One driver to be knighted and the first active driver to receive this honor while still competing in the sport.
Hamilton has won seven Formula One World Championships and is considered one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.Top of Form
Conclusion
In conclusion, being knighted is a significant honor in the UK, and only a select few F1 drivers have received this honor.
Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Jackie Stewart, and Sir Stirling Moss were all recognized for their contributions to the sport of Formula One racing, as well as their achievements on the track.
In addition to these drivers, Sir Frank Williams, Sir Patrick Head, and Sir Colin Chapman were also recognized for their contributions to the sport.
These drivers have left a lasting impact on the sport of Formula One racing and have helped to shape it into the high-speed, high-stakes sport that we know today.
Their knighthoods are a testament to their achievements and contributions, and they will forever be remembered as legends of the sport.
Overall, being knighted is a significant honor and a testament to a person’s contributions to their field.
The F1 drivers who have been knighted have all made significant contributions to the sport of Formula One racing, and their knighthoods serve as a reminder of their impact on the sport and on the UK as a whole.