Sporting legends speed to Oxfordshire to open new Motorsport HQ
Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE officially opened Motorsport UK’s new headquarters at Bicester Heritage last week following the governing body’s relocation to the heart of the UK’s ‘motorsport valley’.
The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion was greeted by Motorsport UK Chair David Richards CBE, CEO Hugh Chambers, and staff from the governing body and membership association for four-wheel motorsport in the UK.
The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 driver was invited to tour Motorsport UK’s new operational base to see at close quarters the work the organisation is doing to sustain and develop safe, fair and fun motorsport in the UK.
During his visit, Hamilton was presented with the coveted Hawthorn Memorial Trophy by the Chair, which marks the 11th occasion that he has accepted this prestigious award from Motorsport UK.
The trophy was presented to Hamilton as a result of his 2020 FIA Formula 1 World Championship title, plus recognition for his work campaigning to provide equal opportunities in motorsport for those from under-privileged and minority backgrounds. Lewis Hamilton joined David Richards in unveiling a commemorative plaque, also specially commissioned using components from one of his 2021 race cars to provide a permanent record of the official opening ceremony.
David Richards said: "Who could be a better person to one our new premises here in Bicester than not just the current World Champion, but a British World Champion seven times over."