Despite Sir Lewis Hamilton’s epic challenge for the 2021 Formula 1 title, it seems that he had not done enough to put him on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year short-list. World Heavyweight boxing Champion, Tyson Fury, on the other hand, has been named on the SPOTY shortlist... despite having threatened legal action against the BBC, if he was.
The news of Sir Lewis’ omission comes as something of a surprise, with the 7-times World Champion – who received his knighthood just a couple of days ago – was denied his 8th F1 title, with him being within a lap of claiming an eighth F1 World Championship before a late Safety Car in Abu Dhabi and controversial Race Control intervention saw the title go in favour of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
And, to compound his absence from the list, Verstappen is up for an award. The Dutchman is nominated for the international World Sports Star award, which celebrates the achievements of overseas athletes.
Gypsy King, Fury, has regularly insisted that the Sports Personality of awards means nothing to him and that he doesn't need it or want it. “They will hear from my solicitors if they do put me on the list,” he said.
“Give it to someone who needs it. I don't.”
Fury is joined on the shortlist by Olympic stars Adam Peaty and Tom Daley, footballer Raheem Sterling, breakout tennis sensation Emma Raducanu and Paralympic legend Dame Sarah Storey.
The Sports Personality of the Year event is held annually by the BBC in December, designed to recognise and celebrate British sporting successes.
Hamilton is a two-time winner. He received his knighthood from Prince Charles at Windsor Castle - with his mother by his side.
The Formula One star, 36, received the honour for his services to Motorsport.
