Hamilton faces SPOTY shortlist snub after F1 title defeat
It is the first time since his title defeat to Nico Rosberg in 2016 that Hamilton, who was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year for the second time in 2020, has been omitted from the shortlist of nominees.
The six-strong shortlist features diver Tom Daley, boxer Tyson Fury, swimmer Adam Peaty, tennis player Emma Raducanu, footballer Raheem Sterling and Paralympic cyclist Dame Sarah Storey.
After her fairytale US Open victory in September, 19-year-old Raducanu has been tipped as the favourite to win this year’s award.
Hamilton was expected to be among the nominees had he sealed an eighth world title to surpass the record he currently shares with fellow seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.
The Briton was narrowly beaten to the world championship by Max Verstappen in Sunday’s controversial finale to the 2021 season after a late safety car restart brought the Red Bull driver back into play.
The seven-time world champion looked in control and appeared on course to win both the race and the world title until Williams driver Nicholas Latifi’s crash resulted in the safety car being deployed.
Having pitted under the safety car for fresher tyres, Verstappen went on to pass Hamilton on the last lap despite appearing out of contention before Latifi’s accident.
Mercedes has lodged its intention to appeal after the FIA dismissed its protests of the race result.
