Need to know
The New Year’s Honours tradition has blessed a number of Formula One greats over the years, and Christian Horner was the most recent to pick up a new title in the proceedings
Everything you need to know about the five key F1 personalities to have received a knighthood as part of the New Year’s Honours list, and Christian Horner’s progression towards the title.
Lewis Hamilton: The legendary Brit was knighted in 2021, an honour that came only days after his controversial loss of the World Championship title to Max Verstappen. The British driver is currently tied with Michael Schumacher, holding a record-equalling seven F1 Drivers’ Championship titles.
Jack Brabham: The respected Australian racer was a three-time World Champion during his illustrious 15-year career in the sport. Nine years after his retirement in 1970, he was officially made a Knight Bachelor.
Stirling Moss: Remarkably, he is the only former driver to receive a knighthood without ever having secured a World Championship title. However, he was still an incredibly successful competitor, winning 16 races over his ten-year career.
Jackie Stewart: The Scotland-born champion clinched three World Championships during his racing career, which concluded in 1973. He received his knighthood 28 years after retiring, becoming the third former driver to achieve the honour. The popular Brit is still a regular fixture on the grid today and is often spotted in Martin Brundle’s grid walks.
Ron Dennis: The McLaren team principal received his knighthood not primarily for his motorsport achievements, but for his substantial contributions to industry and charity. This distinction recognises his work in establishing the Podium Analytics organisation and the Tommy’s charity.
Christian Horner (CBE): The former Red Bull team boss was named in the New Year’s Honours list in 2024 and received a CBE for his services to motorsport. This prestigious Commander of the Order of the British Empire award places him just one step below receiving a full knighthood. The 52-year-old was dismissed by his old squad in July after 20 years of service, but is targeting a return to the paddock in 2026.
