Former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber has received the title of Officer of the Order of Australia, one of his country’s highest national awards.
The award is a tribute to Webber's distinguished motorsport career as well as to his significant charity work including the Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge.
The one-time kid from Queabnbeyan, New South Wales, achieved nine Grand Prix wins as well a World Sports Car championship title before retiring from racing at the end of last year.
Webber's no-nonsense, open and honest approach to racing, which always made him a favourite with the fans, is reflected in his response to receiving the prestigious title from his country.
"I didn’t expect it at all, I didn’t think there would be anything coming along," Webber told News Corp from his home base in Britain.
"It’s a bit of a surprise. But I think it’s an absolute honour to be recognised at that level.
It’s been a long-term run over here. I left a long time ago, and it’s been nice to fly the flag.
"You don’t look back too much ... but I hope I represented Australia as best I could."
The 40-year-old recently hung up his helmet but remains firmly entrenched in racing with ambassadorial roles with Porsche and Red Bull, and as an F1 commentator for Britain's Channel Four.
GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…
When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…
Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…
Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…
Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…