Brazilian Grand Prix: How the race was won

Lewis Hamilton has become Formula One's youngest ever champion in the most dramatic fashion after finishing fifth in the season-ending Brazil Grand Prix at Interlagos.

As title rival Felipe Massa of Ferrari cruised to victory at his home grand prix, a late-race rain shower looked set to rob Hamilton of the championship after a stop for wet tyres dropped him to sixth, but he managed to overtake Timo Glock's Toyota with just seconds to spare as they entered the pit straight.

"It's pretty much impossible to put into words," a clearly emotional Hamilton said of his victory. "It's been such a long journey - all the sacrifices we've made, I'm so thrilled to do this for everyone.

"It was one of the toughest races of my life."

Ron Dennis, the McLaren chief, hailed Hamilton as a deserved champion. "He's a very special talent. He's the youngest ever world champion and he's done it so well," he said. "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,"

Driving with great control, judgement and aided by luck, Hamilton avoided the problems that wrecked his bid to become the first rookie champion last year as he steered his McLaren Mercedes to glory after a tense contest.

Only on that amazing final lap did Hamilton regain the place he needed when German Glock lost 18 seconds in his Toyota and slipped behind him.

Until then, Hamilton's title hopes looked to have been washed away in an amazing late rainstorm but they were rescued in the final minute in front of an impassioned 100,000 crowd at the Interlagos circuit.

"The team didn't say anything so I though I was shot," Hamilton said. "When it started to drizzle, I didn't want to take any risks but at the final corner I got past Glock and I couldn't believe it. I thought 'do I have it, do I have it?' When they told me [I did] I was ecstatic.

"I have done enough and we made it. I can forget everything else.