Hamilton is now just 4/7 with Bet365 and Stan James to win the award and he would bet against him after not only his Formula One Championship win, but also his win in the British Grand Prix earlier in the year.

 

Hamilton has moved ahead of Rebecca Adlington, the Mansfield teenager who won the 400 and 800 metres freestyle at the Beijing Olympics.

 

The swimmer had been the hot favourite to win after her gold medals but she is now 5/2 with Bet365 and William Hill after Hamilton’s success.

 

Also on the drift is triple Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy who is now as big as 6/1 with Ladbrokes.

 

Andy Murray, who has been in great form on the tennis courts recently, and he is 50/1 with Bet365 and Blue Square whilst last year's winner, boxer Joe Calzaghe, is being backed ahead of his fight with Roy Jones Jr next week and he is 100/1 with Ladbrokes and William Hill.