Lewis Hamilton became the Formula One world champion after a thrilling finale in Brazil yesterday. The Briton finished fifth in the Brazilian Grand Prix which was enough to deny Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who won the race, the crown by a single point. It was agony for Massa as he had briefly looked as if he would take the title when Hamilton was passed by Sebastian Vettel's Toro Rosso on a wet track and dropped to sixth with only two laps to go.
But Hamilton passed the Toyota of Timo Glock at the final corner and that pass proved enough to ensure that he becomes the sport's youngest champion. Next season's finale is in Abu Dhabi, and the Yas Island officials will be hoping for another dramatic finish when the Grand Prix fraternity arrive next November. Massa, who needed to win or be second to remain in the hunt, dominated and was only headed during the pit stops.
Hamilton drove a conservative race in his McLaren-Mercedes and looked comfortable in fourth place. But a late rain shower forced a change on to intermediate tyres again and the championship looked to be lost when he ran wide at the final corner to allow Vettel through. However, he kept his composure and was rewarded as Glock, who had stayed on dry tyres, slowed as the conditions worsened to allow the Briton through.
Of little consolation to Ferrari and Massa was the fact the result earned them the constructors' title for the eighth time in 10 years. @Email:gcaygill@thenational.ae
