British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday.

British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday.

The MBE is now the lowest-tier award in the hierarchy of Britain's public honors system. Hamilton received it at Buckingham Palace for his achievement in becoming the youngest Formula One champion in history. The 24-year-old Mclaren driver is currently preparing for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, which takes place at the end of this month.