By Jamie White – Head of Communications
Lewis Hamilton has been crowned Formula One World Champion after clinching the title in today’s (Sunday) Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Hamilton was leading the Drivers’ Championship by 17 points going into the race and knew if he finished ahead of Nico Rosberg – or in second place – the title would be his.
The British driver got off to a flying start and looked dominant throughout. And when Mercedes teammate Rosberg fell out of contention after failing to recover from a bad start, Hamilton cruised to victory and claimed his 11th win of the season – and the world title.
Taking the chequered flag at the final race of the season, Hamilton exclaimed: “World champion, oh my God, I can’t believe it, thanks everyone!”
It’s the second F1 championship for Hamilton – his first coming six years ago in 2008.
He was congratulated by girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger and his family, and also received a congratulatory message from Prince Harry, who called Hamilton ‘An absolute legend’.
Hamilton, 29, is only the fourth Briton to win more than one world title, along with Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Sir Jackie Stewart.
Brazilian driver Felipe Massa crossed the line in second place ahead of his Williams teammate Valtteri Bottas.
