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Mercedes'
Lewis Hamilton won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and with it his second Formula One
world title. They told him, too, that he was Mercedes-Benz's first champion
since a chap called Juan-Manuel Fangio, in 1955. (Inset: Nicole plants a kiss on his helmet) (Photo: PA/Getty Images)
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Lewis
Hamilton claimed a second Formula One world championship with victory at the
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Hamilton,
who won his first title in 2008, took control off the line, surging past title
rival and Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg who started on pole.
The
29-year-old becomes only the fourth Briton to win more than one world title,
joining Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Sir Jackie Stewart.
Rosberg's
title challenge was hit by a failure of the ERS (energy recovery store) and
from that moment he only went backwards.
Hamilton
clinched his 11th victory of the season while Rosberg crossed the line in 14th,
a full lap adrift.
After
Hamilton crossed the line Prince Harry was the first to offer his
congratulations over the pit radio as he said: "Lewis, thank you very much
for not making the British public sweat. You are a legend!"
With
the enormity of the moment sinking in, Hamilton let out a loud
"Woohoooooo!" in reply, before adding: "World champion!"
In
fairness, it was fully deserved, and mercifully the controversial spectre of
the double points did not come into play.
The
watching public, however, were denied a fight to the line between the two men
who have thoroughly dominated the season.
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Hamilton takes the lead on the very first
corner of the race after overtaking Rosberg who started on pole
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For
Mercedes, it is their 16th victory from the 19 races, a new F1 record,
surpassing the mark previously set by Ferrari twice and also McLaren.
However,
internally the team will be bitterly disappointed a technical gremlin wrecked
the prospect of a spectacular grandstand finish between the former friends.
Girlfriend
Nicole Scherzinger was quick to congratulate Hamilton, along with his father
Anthony, step-mum Linda and brother Nicolas.
Standing on the top step of the podium, with the
British national anthem ringing out, there were clear tears of joy in
Hamilton's eyes.
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