Lewis Hamilton Wins BBC Sports Personality Of The Year
In the last few minutes, two-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has been announced as the BBC Sports personality of the Year. Hamilton was visibly emotional when he took the stage at the glittering ceremony held in Glasgow, Scotland. The award marks a very exciting couple of weeks for Hamilton as he clinched the formula 1 Championship just a few weeks ago.
An emotional Hamilton paid tribute to his family whilst accepting his award.
“I could not have done this without my amazing team, my family, my dad who once had four jobs to help me, my brother. I’ve been incredibly inspired by them. I never thought in a million years I’d be surrounded by such people.
“Thank you to all the fans. I always say we win and lose together because I feel your love. I feel so proud to carry the Union flag and hope I will continue to make you proud.”
Hamilton continued.
“I am so speechless. I’m so proud and honoured to be among such great sporting talent.”
“I want to say a huge thank you to all the people who called in, I really wasn’t expecting it.”
The award will no doubt be a relief for Hamilton, who has come under fire in the British press in recent days. Hamilton defended himself in The Independent saying that he pays a lot of taxes in the U.K. Hamilton has been criticized for living in Switzerland and his tax affairs have been questioned. Hamilton, who has a reported wealth of £68 million, told The Times Style Magazine that he is “part of a much bigger picture.”
“I am contributing to the country and, not only that, I help to keep a team of more than 1,000 people employed.”
Going into the awards, The Mail was tipping either Lewis Hamilton or golfer Rory McIlroy to win the sports personality title, but Hamilton won out in the end. After winning 11 Grand Prix races and the World championship, Hamilton joined an exclusive club by becoming the fourth Briton to win the drivers’ championship at least twice.
Immediately before Hamilton was announced as the winner, cyclist Sir Chris Hoy was presented with a lifetime achievement award. He was overcome with emotion saying that he “feels like the luckiest guy alive.”
Hamilton becomes the fifth racing driver to win the award in its 61-year history, with Damon Hill (’94 and ’96) and Nigel Mansell (’86 and ’92) triumphing on two occasions, and Stirling Moss (’61) and Sir Jackie Stewart (’73) claiming the prize once. Hamilton has been runner up on two previous occasions.
