Recently-retired ex-Formula One and World Endurance Championship driver Mark Webber has been recognised on Australia Day with one of his native country's highest national awards.
The nine-time grand prix winner, who hails from Queanbeyan, New South Wales, has been awarded the title of Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to motorsport and to the community through fundraising and charity events.
Webber retired from F1 at the end of 2013 -- having come closest to winning the title in 2010 -- to switch to WEC for 2014 driving the Porsche 919 LMP1. Four victories in 2015 sealed the championship, while he also took second in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Following a fourth-place finish in last year's championship, Webber retired from racing at the age of 40, but remains an ambassador for Porsche and Red Bull.
"I didn't expect it at all. I didn't think there would be anything coming along," Webber told News Corp. "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."
Away from racing, Webber has been involved in charity projects through his Mark Webber Foundation that raises money for organisations including the Leukemia Foundation and the Save the Tasmanian Devils Foundation.
Webber has completed several charity treks across Tasmania, known as the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge -- a 250km endurance event consisting of cycling, kayaking and walking.
In 2008 the Australian broke his leg in a head-on collision with a car during the event, before recovering to record his first grand prix victory at the Nurburgring the following season.