Sunday’s British Grand Prix winner received the accolade from Rob Jones, Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association (MSA).

The Hawthorn Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the most successful British or Commonwealth driver in the previous year’s FIA Formula One World Drivers’ Championship. It was first presented by the Hawthorn family in memory of Mike Hawthorn, who became Britain’s first F1 champion in 1958 but tragically died a year later. Sunday (5 July) marked 62 years since Hawthorn won his first grand prix, at Reims in 1953 – can hardly believe it.

Mercedes AMG Petronas driver Hamilton won 11 grands prix – including his home race at Silverstone – en route to the 2014 F1 title. In doing so he became only the 16th driver in F1’s 64-year history to win the championship more than once. His first crown came in only his second F1 season in 2008, having missed being a rookie champion in 2007 by a single point.

Lewis Hamilton: “This trophy is full of class. It’s real silverware with a great history and that’s what I race for; this is the best reward you can get for winning. It’s real and it’s what you have to show for all your efforts, so I’m very grateful to receive it.”

Rob Jones: “It was a real pleasure to present Lewis with the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy once again, particularly as he is so appreciative of the history of British motor sports. Mike Hawthorn was Britain’s first F1 champion and Lewis is the latest, with nine more in between.”

Since the formation of the FIA Formula One World Championship in 1950, no fewer than 10 British drivers have won the title – seven more than any other nation.