Team Lotus Principal Tony Fernandes has been awarded a CBE in London today by Britain'sQueen Elizabeth II. The newly honored Fernandes receives the award for his "services to promote commercial and educational links" between the UK and Malaysia.
As well as his high-profile Formula 1 commitments, the Malaysian entrepreneur is also Group CEO of low-cost airline AirAsia.
"I am extremely humbled to have received this award today," Fernandes said. "I would like to thank Her Majesty the Queen for bestowing such an honor upon me. More than a personal honor, it will serve as a catalyst to further enhance relations between the UK and Malaysia, particularly in the areas of business, culture and education.
"I receive this award today not on my behalf, but on behalf of all the incredible people I work with, wherever they may be around the world. It is their dedication, passion, enthusiasm and hard work that drives me on every single day and it is also my great honor to have the privilege of working with them."