Lewis Hamilton has been named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2014.
The Mercedes superstar took home his second Formula 1 world title this season, joining the ranks of the other 3 Brits who have won the drivers’ championship at least twice.
“I am so speechless. I’m so proud and honoured to be among such great sporting talent,” said the 29 year old.
“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,”
“Thank you to all the fans. I always say we win and lose together because I feel your love. I hope I will continue to make you proud.”
Hamilton is now the fifth racing driver to win the award in its 61 year history, with Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell triumphing on two occasions, and Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart claiming the honour once.
He is now also Formula 1’s most successful British driver with 33 victories – two more than double Sports Personality winner Mansell.
The other winners were:
- Overseas Sports Personality of the Year: Cristiano Ronaldo. The 29-year-old Portuguese forward was named world player of the year 11 months ago and scored as Real Madrid won the Champions League in May.
- Young Sports Personality of the Year: Claudia Fragapane. The 17-year-old gymnast became the first British woman in 84 years to win four gold medals at one Commonwealth Games.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Six-time Olympic gold medal-winner Sir Chris Hoy was honoured in his home country.
- Helen Rollason Award: The Invictus Games competitors were presented with the trophy by Prince Harry.
- Sport’s Unsung Hero: Jill Stidever won the award after spending nearly 60 years teaching thousands of children with special needs to swim.
Other posts by Azlyn Balqis
