Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has lauded compatriot golf star Rory McIlroy for having had a phenomenal year ahead of their showdown tonight for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
Hamilton said that he congratulated McIlroy on an incredible year as he had been phenomenal at his age, adding that he wished him good luck ahead of the award ceremony.
Hamilton, who twice finished runners-up for the award in 2007 and 2008, said that he didn't have much support back then and the public support for him had grown over the years and the fans had been amazing and incredible, the Daily Express reported.
He further said that he anticipated finishing second this year as well, adding that he felt privileged to be amongst all the great stars there.
Though McIlroy, winner of The Open and USPGA, has long been billed as the favorite contender for the honour, bookmakers believe that only Hamilton is considered to have a chance of winning.
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