Sir Lewis Hamilton has led the Formula 1 community in paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after the UK’s longest-serving monarch died at the age of 96.
The Queen reigned for 70 years after coming to the throne in 1952.
Following her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King.
Hamilton met the Queen several times over his career, receiving a knighthood in 2020, and paid a heartfelt tribute to Her Majesty on Friday morning.
‘How do you find the words to describe the loss of Her Majesty The Queen? She was truly an iconic leader, an inspiration and a reassuring presence for most, if not all, of our lives,’ the seven-time world champion posted on Instagram.
‘Since the sad news yesterday, I’ve been reflecting on her incredible life. She was a symbol of hope for so many and she served her country with dignity, dedication and kindness.
‘She was truly like no other and I’m grateful to have lived during her time. Her legacy will be long-lasting and her passing deeply felt.
‘I had the incredible honour of being able to spend time with her. It is something I’ll never forget. We talked about our shared love of dogs and she was incredibly generous with her time.
‘I know the whole nation and many others around the world will be mourning her loss and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and all those close to her, who have lost a loved one. Rest in Peace.’
Hamilton’s teammate and fellow British driver George Russell added: ‘I’m so sad to hear about the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her devotion to our country and her gracious leadership were inspirational to so many generation of people in the UK and around the world.
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‘My family and I send our deepest condolences to The Royal Family and to all those who admired her service to our country for seven decades. Rest in Peace.’
Follow Metro.co.uk’s live blog for the latest updates, and sign Metro.co.uk’s book of condolence to Her Majesty here.
London-born Thai driver Alex Albon, who races for Williams, was also among those to pay tribute: ‘An amazing role model and total dedication to a lifetime of public service. Thank you and rest in peace, Her Majesty the Queen.’
While this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix is still scheduled to go ahead, there will be a minutes silence prior to the Friday’s first practice session at 1pm.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/2DwR3UWqSY
F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali said: ‘Formula 1 mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
‘For more than seven decades she dedicated her life to public service with dignity and devotion and inspired so many around the world. Formula 1 sends its deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.’
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FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: ‘The Queen was undoubtedly one of the most respected heads of state ever to have lived, and I send my condolences, and those of the entire FIA community, to the Royal Family and all of the citizens of The United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
‘Motor sport, and especially Formula 1, has its heart in the United Kingdom, and the Royal Family has over the years given great support and patronage to the sport. For this we thank them, and those events taking place around the world this weekend will undoubtedly be undertaken in honour of her Majesty.’
MORE : This weekend’s Premier League and EFL fixtures cancelled following the death of the Queen
MORE : Queen death: What time is King Charles’ address to the nation and how to watch?
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