By Jamie White – Head of Communications

Formula 1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, has been crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

The Mercedes driver was given the accolade at the star-studded event in Glasgow, which celebrates the best in British sport over the last 12 months.

The award caps a memorable year for Hamilton, after being crowned Formula 1 World Champion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, beating his Mercedes teammate and rival, Nico Rosberg.

It was the second championship victory for the 29 year old – six years after his first in 2008. Hamilton is only the fourth Briton to win more than one world title, along with Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Sir Jackie Stewart.

Collecting his award, Hamilton, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to all the people who called in, I really wasn’t expecting it.

“I am so speechless. I’m so proud and honoured to be among such great sporting talent.”

Hamilton became the fifth racing driver to win Sports Personality of the Year in its 61-year history, with Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell triumphing on two occasions and Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart claiming the prize once.

Golfer Rory McIlroy was runner up, with athlete Jo Pavey finishing third.