British ace Lewis Hamilton admitted to being lost for words after becoming the youngest ever Formula One World Champion on Sunday.
Driver left speechless after dramatic title clincher
British ace Lewis Hamilton admitted to being lost for words after becoming the youngest ever Formula One World Champion on Sunday.
In dramatic scenes, the 23-year-old McLaren driver got the fifth-place finish he needed in the Brazilian Grand Prix to capture the title by a single point from Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who won the race.
Hamilton had fallen to sixth with just two laps to go, but overtook Toyota's Timo Glock with metres to go on the last lap.
For a few moments, it wasn't clear whether Hamilton or Massa had won the Championship with both pit teams celebrating.
But when it became apparent he had taken the title, an emotional Hamilton said over the team radio: "I'm speechless - that was so pretty close.
"You guys have done an amazing job all season. This is for you and my family."
Later in a scrum of reporters outside the McLaren garage, he said: "I need to rest because my heart is on the limit."
Asked if the title would be the first of many, Hamilton replied: "I hope so. But I don't know if my heart can stand another final lap like that..."
Hamilton had to choke back tears of emotion as he embraced his father and manager Anthony.
"I can't talk, I just can't speak," he said. "It's pretty much impossible to put into words. I am still speechless.
"My whole family is here. And I am so proud for them. My dad's here and he is the man. For us all, it has been such a long journey and with a lot of support from people back home.
"My team did a fantastic job all year and all the sacrifices we made, I'm so thrilled to be able to do this for everyone."
Of the dramatic closing laps, Hamilton added: "It was just one of the toughest races of my life.
"My tyres were a little bit shot so I was struggling to keep the pace up.
"Then it started to drizzle and I didn't want to take any risks.
"The last corner I managed to get past Glock - and I can only thank God."
Massa emotional
At the post-race press conference, Massa wiped his eyes as he said: "It's really an emotional day for me.
"You get here. You've almost done everything perfectly but I saw Lewis passing (Timo) Glock and that really mixed a lot of emotions.
"We finished in the front. We have to be proud of that.
"I know how to win and I know how to lose."
McLaren team boss Ron Dennis hailed Hamilton afterwards.
He told
ITV1: "He's a very special talent. He's the youngest ever world champion and he's done it so well.
"If you look at the statistics from all the races this year then you'll realise that.
"He has finished this season with more points than anyone over the last two seasons, so he's deserved it.
"We are delighted for him. We have enjoyed it a lot here and I'd like to thank all the English supporters for their support."
