Lewis Hamilton has played down talks that he is set to receive a knighthood this year, in recognition of his astonishing sixth world championship. 

Hamilton, who sealed his sixth title after last round's United States Grand Prix, is now the second most successful driver in Formula 1 history, trailing only the legendary Michael Schumacher in both championships (seven to Hamilton's six), and race wins (91 to 83).

Whilst trailing in wins, however, Hamilton leads the way in total career pole positions with an astounding 87, a full 19 clear of the next driver, which - somewhat unsurprisingly - is Schumacher again.

Almost more impressively, Hamilton also possesses the best winning percentage of any driver ever to start over 100 races, winning a near-unbelievable 33%, or one in three, of all races the current Mercedes driver has ever started - no prizes for guessing who is in second position with 30%. 

The significance of these achievements has not been lost on the Stevenage-born driver's numerous fans, and many of these fans and pundits alike have claimed a knighthood is a near-inevitability, when the New Year's Honours list is revealed in just a few months time. 

Despite the speculation, Hamilton hasn't considered the possibility of receiving the honour, and has also revealed that he isn't expecting the title anytime soon. 

"I don't really like to think too much about it," Hamilton told Racefans. "Just the fact that people have mentioned it, it's already an honour. But it's not something that I've been chasing in my life. 

"If, at any point, it was to happen, I don't particularly know how I would handle it". 

Hamilton was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2008, following his maiden world championship for McLaren Mercedes, with the honour being given in recognition of his 'services to motor racing'. 

Few could argue that the 34-year-old hasn't done more to add to these services in the years and victories that have followed, but Hamilton is still remaining focused on furthering his achievements, and doing his fans proud. 

"I have stood in front of her Majesty the Queen before and it was pretty incredible and I think she's just awesome.

"Again, I don't think it's going to happen, and again, it doesn't bother me if it doesn't. It doesn't mean I'm not British. It doesn't mean I'm not continuing to try and raise the flag as well as I can but I do appreciate all the support I've had from my fans and also from the British media".