Lewis Hamilton will be knighted at Windsor Castle on Wednesday for services to motorsport, royal officials have confirmed.
The racing legend missed out on what would have been a record-breaking eighth world title in heartbreaking circumstances on Sunday, but will become the fourth F1 driver to be knighted after Sir Jackie Stewart in 2001, Sir Stirling Moss in 2000 and Sir Jack Brabham in 1979.
Hamilton was leading rival Max Verstappen going into the last lap in Abu Dhabi as both men battled it out for the crown.
But having been allowed to close the gap to Hamilton due to a safety car, Verstappen passed the Brit on the final lap, benefiting from driving on newer tyres.
Despite the controversy surrounding the season finale, Hamilton was gracious in defeat.
"Firstly congratulations to Max and to his team. I think we did an amazing job this year,” he said.
“My team, everyone back at the factory, have worked so hard this whole year, it's been the most difficult of seasons.
“I'm so proud of them and I'm so grateful to be a part of the journey with them.
"This last part of the season we gave it absolutely everything and never gave up."
Hamilton's knighthood was announced in the Queen's New Year Honours last December. He was awarded an MBE in 2009 following his first world title.
The 36-year-old is not on the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, with Emma Raducanu the big favourite to land the gong on Sunday evening.
She is joined by Tyson Fury, Tom Daley, Raheem Sterling, Dame Sarah Storey and Adam Peaty.
