Double Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has waved a virtual chequered flag in favour of Rory McIlroy becoming only the third golfer to be named – BBC Sports Personality of the Year Sunday night in Glasgow.

The four-time Major winning McIlroy is a hot favourite among bookies to win the award on the back of his Open Championship and PGA Championship success along with winning the BMW PGA and WGC – Bridgestone Invitational and helping steer Europe to victory in the Ryder Cup.

However Hamilton boosted his chances of claiming the award in winning a second Formula One world title a fortnight ago in Abu Dhabi.

“I’m excited to be going,” said Hamilton, ahead of flying into London from Los Angeles where he has held a number of business meetings over recent days.

“I went in 2007 and 2008 and I’m certain that back then I didn’t even have one hundredth of the support I have right now.  That support has really grown over the years. The fans have just been amazing, incredible.

“A lot of Brits have come up to me and told me how proud they are, that they are huge fans.”

But then Hamilton is smart enough to recognise what McIlroy has achieved this year in the ancient club-and-ball game.

“I messaged Rory, wishing him all the best for it and told him I’ll see him this Sunday,” added Hamilton.

“I also congratulated him on an incredible year because he has been phenomenal, and at his age too.”

After finishing runner-up in his F1 debut year of 2007 to Joe Calzaghe and again in his first title-winning season of 2008 to Sir Chris Hoy, Hamilton is expecting to finish second for a third time, not that that concerns him.

“I remember ‘08 and losing to a Sir, so I didn’t mind that,” said a joking Hamilton.

“But I don’t think I have to win anything more than I have, or to show what I’ve achieved, or to prove how much support I have.  I know I’m aware of the support I have. I never thought I’d have people tuning in to their TVs or turning up at races to support me.

“And this isn’t like I’m going for the world championship and I’m dying to win it with everything in my power.  Instead this is one of those events where you feel quite privileged to be amongst all the great stars also there.

“I know it’s going to be a good experience being there – although I do anticipate me being runner-up again!”

After what has been a whirlwind past two weeks for Hamilton following his championship triumph, SPOTY represents the last awards event prior to him finally taking a break.

“The last couple of weeks have been pretty intense, pretty crazy with interviews, doing stuff for Mercedes, various other awards shows.

“I’ve not really had any time for myself, but I’m still on a high, and the reception and response has been amazing.

“But after these awards I’m gone. Every year you have to be very selfish with your time. I believe you have to be because it is such a long year.

“You have to get away as soon as possible, have a couple of weeks’ break and then start training again just before Christmas for the next season. That’s what I like to do.

“This year the BBC Sports Personality has shifted everything later, so my break starts a lot later than usual, and now I can’t wait.”

There is a 10-strong shortlist with McIlroy tipped to win the public vote and become the first golfer to win the award since Nick Faldo in 1989.