Hamilton wins Formula One crown

Eurosport - Mon, 03 Nov 10:36:00 2008

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton roared into the record books as Formula One's youngest champion when he snatched the title in last lap drama at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

FORMULA 1 Lewis Hamilton McLaren / Foto EFE - 0

The 23-year-old, needing only a fifth place finish in the season-ending race to become Britain's first champion since Damon Hill in 1996, was seconds from failure for the second year in a row as Ferrari rival Felipe Massa swept to victory.

Hamilton entered the last lap in sixth place after a late shower forced a change to wet weather tyres and saw Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari-powered Toro Rosso overtake the McLaren.

With the title disappearing as fast as Massa's Ferrari approached the chequered flag, Hamilton had Toyota's Timo Glock to thank after the German stayed out on dry tyres and was unable to hold on to his fifth place.

Hamilton powered past as the final corner approached.

"Amazing, I can't even get my breath back," said the astonished Briton, who embraced his father and brother before being mobbed by the team.

Massa, Hamilton's sole title rival, won his home race for the second time in three years to chalk up a record 16th constructors' title for the Italian team.

Hamilton, who missed out by a single point to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in Brazil last season, ended the 18-race season one point clear of Massa.

"He scored more points than me, he deserves to win the title," said the disappointed race winner. "I know how to win, I know how to lose.

"This is another day of my life that I'm going to learn a lot from."

At 23 years and 301 days old, Hamilton broke the age record set by former McLaren team mate Fernando Alonso, the Spaniard who won the first of his two titles with Renault in Brazil at the age of 24, one month and 27 days.

Hamilton's title was the first for Mercedes-powered McLaren since Finland's Mika Hakkinen in 1999.

Massa, the first driver since Ayrton Senna in 1989 to miss out on the title after winning more races than anyone else, led from pole position after a start delayed for 10 minutes by a sudden downpour while the cars were waiting on the grid.

The safety car was then deployed for two laps after a collision that sent Britain's David Coulthard crashing into retirement after 15 seasons in Formula One.

The Scot's Red Bull tangled with the Williams of Kazuki Nakajima and Renault's Nelson Piquet, who was also eliminated from the race.

Alonso took second place in the race, with Raikkonen joining him on the podium to seize third place overall from BMW-Sauber's Robert Kubica on race wins.

Reuters

Comment 2201 - 2220 of 2220

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  1. lewis lewis cool

    From tandsparry@..., on Sun 23 Nov 8:56AM

  2. well no comments to my question 2222 ferrari is interested in LH but alas he is not availible at the moment watch this space

    From scrooloos, on Mon 10 Nov 10:05PM

  3. how many cheque books would be open if Lewis was in the market to drive for 2009 renault ferrari bmw he could name his own salary

    From scrooloos, on Mon 10 Nov 12:06AM

  4. sheer luck for hamilton.. !!
    Massa is d real champ.... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    From subodh, on Sat 8 Nov 7:11PM

  5. not printable & moronrouge (or whatever your name is): I was going to respond to your stupid comments but I realise that reasoned debate just goes well over your tiny little racist heads, so I'll respond in a way you'll understand... "Aw, oo's upsetty-poos? Oo is? You is upsetty-poos, yes oo are. Oo's a widdle soldier? Oo are, yes oo are." Twit. With an 'A'.

    From dixienlea@..., on Tue 4 Nov 12:50PM

  6. Well done Hamilton. As for Glock letting Hamilton pass, any one could see he was having difficulty, and loosing grip as he came up the hill, others passed him not only Hamilton. Massa is a great driver, but people seem to forget Kimi blatantly let Massa pass so that he could win and gain points in the China race, and the one where Hamilton won and then it was taken off him after he had received the trophy and it was given to Massa who was way behind him, if things had been left as they were Hamilton would have won before the last race. Then there are all the other penaulty's imposed on Hamilton, I think the F1 stewards have blinkers on when it comes to Farrari.

    From MARION H, on Tue 4 Nov 9:29AM

  7. peceprilep - I think I've deciphered your post and come to the opinion that you are a dribbling idiot. Explain to all of us please how Glock helped LH gain points in all the other races of the season. Because it wasn't all about one race was it - Massa and LH were competing for the championship in the last race because of ALL THE POINTS THEY GOT DURING THE SEASON. Idiot. BTW - LH is world champion - I know you realise this but it looks as if this fact winds you up... and that makes my day.

    From dixienlea@..., on Tue 4 Nov 8:56AM

  8. Am still not sure whether to rejoice 4 lewis, am still waiting for those fatasses the Fia to penalise him for changing to wet tires or any such bull so they can hand the championship to Massa

    From Faridah M, on Tue 4 Nov 8:47AM

  9. Can anyone tell me why Frank Williams is knighted and Ron Dennis is not. I think Ron has done more for GB than Frank. Afterall, Frank never puts his hand in his pocket to sponsor an up and coming talented drivers that I know of. Arise Sir Ron.

    From olawaleduyile@..., on Tue 4 Nov 8:44AM

  10. is this for real???????
    shame on ppl who think lewis deserve this status like champion .is he retarded? why then he get help .
    coz of thinks lke this F1 is not popular like year`s ago
    FK toyota FK lewis and his dirty title

    From peceprilep, on Tue 4 Nov 8:42AM

  11. charlesjohnparke
    you are right i noticed this as well how he could get out the way of an 80 km car he couldn't. Whither he was outside the hanger or on the track is another matter from the footage was hard to tell i doubt it this family has been at race tracks for a long time. If he was i am sure there is a fine coming there way surly though your not suggesting they deduct points from Lewis. How about 2 that seems about the amount needed.

    Well done Lewis and Ron Dennis you won the championship despite obvious resentment from Alonso and Kimi doing there utmost to let anyone win except you. Also the now clear interference and fixing going on by F 1.

    Massa brilliant drive faultless just like Lewis in China, trust me its not the end of the world its just a car race there are far more important issues to sit and cry about.

    From Tim B, on Tue 4 Nov 2:52AM

  12. When a black man is conident, he is arrogant. When a White man is arrogant, he is confident!! Life's too short to waste on hate. Give credit where credit is due!! Lewis deserves to be champ. Maybe if you try hard you will be Racist Champion of the Year..
    To be honest, Ferari's shortlived celebrations can only be matched by the Ferari crew doing the sprint to rescue the fuel hose from Massa's car!! Priceless... Looking forward to 2009.

    From O Mais Velho, on Tue 4 Nov 1:58AM

  13. Timo Glock - I think it's exactly what the fans want to see ...
    .
    Many tnks Glockfor leting LH pass you,we in britain f1 fans are very happy for you!

    From mary, on Tue 4 Nov 1:01AM

  14. Timo Glock - I think it's exactly what the fans want to see ...
    .
    Many tnks Glockfor leting LH pass you,we in britain f1 fans are very happy for you!

    From mary, on Tue 4 Nov 12:58AM

  15. Hamilton had Toyota's Timo Glock to thank
    .
    p2196
    Hamilton won by default! only by Glock's mistake. he should be ashamed and embaresed
    .
    but he is...dont you see after the race his fake smille ??? lol

    From mary, on Tue 4 Nov 12:47AM

  16. Our world today is supposed to be a global society where "Equality" is the key issue. However, as George Orwell wrote in 'Animal Farm' ....... "Everyone is equal but, some are more equal than others!"
    Lewis Hamilton is not only the youngest F1 World Champion, he is also the first black guy to be world champion. Given all the underhand and snide tricks that have been played on Lewis throughout the 2008 season, I believe that his winning the championship was a fantastic achievement. Way to go Lewis!

    As for Lewis reputed wealth. What he does with his fiscal affairs is his business and in reality should be of no concern to anyone other than Lewis, his family and dare I say the Inland Revenue. At least Lewis is worthy of his high salary, unlike the two pillocks on Radio 2.

    From Bristerson, on Tue 4 Nov 12:10AM

  17. Well done lewis, you deserve to be a champion england salutes you.

    From bigwi@..., on Mon 3 Nov 10:44PM

  18. misty42pixie i completly agree with you.

    From swift750@..., on Mon 3 Nov 10:38PM

  19. achunckyjones, point taken. But the man has a choice of where he wants to live wherever he wants for what ever reason. How many people would have made the same choice, i sure as hell would in his position. What i'm trying to say is that everybody should just be concerned about his racing and being a champion for his country.

    From swift750@..., on Mon 3 Nov 10:37PM

  20. achunkyjones, you have a very blinkered view on things. If I was earning as much as Hamilton, I'd live in bloody Switzerland too rather then stay in a recession gripped country. The truth of the matter is, he is a great role model for youngsters who has worked hard with dedication for his dream and why shouldnt he enjoy and reap the rewards.

    From misty42pixie, on Mon 3 Nov 10:33PM
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