The New Year's Honours list has long been a stage for recognising exceptional achievement, and the high-octane world of Formula One has seen several of its brightest stars receive some of the nation's highest accolades. The tradition continues, with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner being the latest to join the ranks, receiving a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This honour places him just one step away from a full knighthood, a title already bestowed upon five legendary figures from the sport's history.
The Elite Five: F1's Knighted Drivers and Pioneer
Over the years, a select group of Formula One's most influential personalities have been honoured with a knighthood. Leading this pack is Sir Lewis Hamilton, the British racing icon who was knighted in 2021. This recognition came shortly after his dramatic and controversial loss of the World Championship title to Max Verstappen. Hamilton, who holds a record-equalling seven F1 Drivers' Championship titles alongside Michael Schumacher, remains one of the sport's most prominent figures.
The honour roll of knighted drivers includes pioneers from earlier eras. Sir Jack Brabham, the revered Australian three-time World Champion, was made a Knight Bachelor in 1979, nine years after retiring from his illustrious 15-year career. Sir Stirling Moss holds a unique distinction, being the only former driver knighted without ever winning a World Championship. Despite this, his remarkable career yielded 16 Grand Prix wins over a decade, cementing his status as one of the greats.
Scotland's Sir Jackie Stewart, a three-time World Champion who retired in 1973, received his knighthood 28 years later in 2001. He remains a familiar face in the paddock today. Beyond the drivers, the honour also recognises leadership. Sir Ron Dennis, the former McLaren team principal, was knighted not solely for motorsport success but for his major contributions to British industry and charity, including founding Podium Analytics and supporting Tommy's.
Christian Horner's Path: From MBE to CBE
The latest F1 figure to be celebrated in the Honours list is Christian Horner. In the 2024 New Year's Honours, the 52-year-old was awarded a CBE for his services to motorsport. This prestigious award marks a significant progression, coming after he received an MBE in a previous year. The CBE formally places him on the path towards a potential knighthood in the future.
Horner's honour recognises two decades of leadership at the pinnacle of the sport. Although his long tenure at Red Bull Racing concluded in July 2024, his impact is undeniable. Reports suggest he is already targeting a potential return to the F1 paddock by 2026, indicating his award coincides with a period of transition rather than the end of his involvement in the sport he helped shape.
A Tradition of Recognising Speed and Service
The inclusion of these motorsport giants in the New Year's Honours underscores how the institution values excellence beyond traditional fields. It celebrates not just sporting victory, but also innovation, leadership, and charitable contribution. For figures like Ron Dennis, the honour specifically highlights work done away from the racetrack.
For fans, these honours provide a moment of national pride, linking the global spectacle of Formula One with British tradition. The journey from champion to Sir is a rare one, reserved for those whose influence transcends their sport. As Christian Horner's latest CBE demonstrates, the pathway of recognition remains open, ensuring that future generations of F1's leading lights may one day also be considered for the highest honours.
