F1 World champion Lewis Hamilton 'Humbled' at receiving MBE

FORMULA 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is "humbled" at being awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours list.

The 23-year-old McLaren Mercedes driver from Tewin has been awarded a gong for services to motor racing after only two seasons behind the wheel.

Hamilton was crowned the youngest ever F1 world champion in 2008 after snatching the title on the last corner of the final lap of the concluding race of the season in Brazil.

"It is a massive honour and incredible privilege for me to receive an MBE from Her Majesty the Queen," said Lewis.

"It is the most amazing culmination to what has been quite a year for me.

"The support I have received from the UK as a whole has been fantastic and a huge motivation, it is something I am very appreciative of."

Lewis acknowledged those who had put him on the road to glory, including his father Anthony and McLaren boss Ron Dennis.

"This is not just a proud moment for me, but also for my family and every single person involved with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team.

"I could not have achieved any of this without them."

The Herts-born motor racer praised the British Olympians who also received honours and others who were rewarded.

"It has been an outstanding year for British sport as a whole, and it is great to see so many fellow sportsmen and women being honoured today," said Lewis.

"I am also very humbled to be included on the honours list alongside all the members of the general public, who have been recognised for their tireless work in such varied and worthwhile arenas.

"I am very fortunate to have been awarded for achieving my dream; it has required a lot of hard work and dedication.

"However, it has been worth every single minute and I only hope that I can inspire young kids to do the same, whatever their dream may be."

BBC Sports Personality of the Year runner-up Lewis celebrates his 24th birthday next Wednesday.