Debate: can Lewis be as good as Michael Schumacher? | Simon Barnes on Hamilton's risk | 2008 race-by-race | Hamilton's win in his own words | Graphic: the most thrilling championship finish ever?

“It’s an enormous achievement. Lewis set it out very early in life that he wanted to be world champion. He came very close last year to doing that and now he has done it. He’s bound to be a superstar globally after a race like that. He’s going to be big news.

“That’s the most exciting race I have seen. It came right down to the final corner of the final race. There’s never been so much at stake for fifth place in the history of the race.”

Damon Hill - Britain’s last Formula One world champion, in 1996

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“There’s no reason why he can’t win more. He’s with probably the best racing team in the world. He’s a very lucky boy to be there so early in his career with the team’s support, skill, resources and technology behind him. He’s a man with exceptional talent and raw skill. Lewis will be a worthy British world champion.”

Sir Jackie Stewart - Winner of three drivers’ world titles

“When you watch the way he drives, it’s exciting because he gets on with it. He’s tremendous on braking and he conserves his car, he’s good in the wet, good in the dry - he’s a remarkably good driver.

“He’s learning every year. It’s very difficult comparing drivers from my era to now, so it’s not like for like. But I think if you’re talking about a man’s ability to control a car, he’s up there [with the best] now.”

Sir Stirling Moss - British motor racing legend

“I thought Felipe Massa in winning, and Lewis Hamilton were very dignified people. They come out of it with dignity and style.

“I think he’ll make an outstanding world champion and will go on from here. Massa looked strong and he will give great competition in years to come.”

Eddie Jordan - Founder and former owner of the Jordan team

“I, like so many, want to congratulate him on becoming world champion - the first championship I think of many that he’s going to win in years to come. I think the whole country is thrilled by his exceptional talent. I think the whole of Britain are proud of the inspirational Lewis Hamilton and the McLaren team.”

Gordon Brown - The Prime Minister

“One of the most dramatic races in Formula One history ended with the right man winning the World Championship. Lewis is now officially a British sporting legend and a role model for what you can achieve if you follow your dream.”

David Cameron - The Conservative Party leader

“This is a remarkable feat from an exceptionally talented and dedicated young man and an historic day for British motor racing. Lewis Hamilton’s victory today is something everyone in the UK can feel proud of and I am sure he will help to inspire the next generation of sporting champions”

Andy Burnham - Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

“Lewis Hamilton’s performances since his arrival in Formula One have set the world alight. He has demonstrated his extraordinary talent, commitment and determination to become the youngest-ever world champion. His success comes as no surprise - it is fantastic news for the whole of British motor sport. Nearly half of the current Formula One drivers learnt their trade in the United Kingdom’s domestic championships and Lewis’s success brings further credibility to the UK as the world’s best proving ground for young racing drivers. But even more importantly, Lewis is providing an incredible platform from which to develop motor sport in this country."

Colin Hilton - Chief executive of The Motor Sports Association