Hamilton takes F1 title

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton roared into the record books as Formula One's youngest champion after last lap drama at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The 23-year-old Briton, needing only a fifth place finish in the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix to become Britain's first champion since Damon Hill in 1996, pulled it off after entering the last lap in sixth.

With the title seemingly slipping through his fingers for the second year in a row, he had Toyota's Timo Glock to thank after the German stayed out on dry tyres after the heavens opened.

Hamilton powered past for fifth place as the final corner approached.

Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe 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 agonisingly by a single point to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in Brazil last season, ended the 18-race season one point clear of Massa.