The Mercedes racer controversially lost the 2021 title to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hamilton was overtaken on the final lap of the last race after it was restarted following a late safety car. The decision, which appeared to be in contravention of the governing body’s own rules and standard protocols, to race again for one lap left Hamilton, who had dominated the race and was on course for the title himself, exposed on old tyres. Hamilton was made an MBE in 2008 after winning his first F1 championship. He said over his team radio at the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that it had been “manipulated” but was magnanimous in his interviews after the race.

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