A street in Stevenage will be named after the F1 driver

Stevenage Borough Council has decided to honour the 22-year-old in a new town centre development to mark his racing achievements.

"The success of Lewis has given everyone in Stevenage a real boost," Sharon Taylor, council leader, said.

Hamilton narrowly missed winning the Formula One world championship title in his first season.

Ms Taylor added: "Everyone in the town is enormously proud of the fact that Lewis comes from Stevenage.

"In particular, our young people see him as a role model and his achievements have definitely raised their aspiration levels.

"He has really helped to put the town on the map."

The exact name of the street is yet to be confirmed.