Formula One:Lewis Hamilton has become the youngest ever Formula One world champion after a stealing fifth place in the dying moments of the final lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos and wresting the title from the grasp of race-winner Felipe Massa.
Fifth or better was always going to guarantee the Briton the title but after a late pit to change to wet tyres he was passed by Sebastien Vettel and looked to doomed to defeat.
As Massa crossed the line, Hamilton, seconds behind, needed a miracle and got one when Toyota's Timo Glock suffered on his slicks and slipped dramatically down the pecking order to allow the McLaren driver back into fifth.
In the end Hamilton became a champion by a point after so nearly losing it on race wins countback to Massa.
Renault's Fernando Alonso was second, with Massa's Ferrari team- mate Kimi Raikkonen third, giving the Maranello marque the consolation prize of the constructors' title.
Sebastien Vettel finished fourth in his Toro Rosso, followed by a relieved Hamilton.
When he could finally find the words in the media scrum afterwards, a clearly emotional new world champion said: "It's pretty much impossible to put into words.
"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."
Asked what his feelings were on crossing the line, Hamilton continued on ITV: "I thought 'do I have it?'. They told me and I was ecstatic. I must thank God."
Massa, who was beset by a litany of mechanical problems during the season, was gracious in defeat and congratulated Hamilton after the race.
"We've had ups and downs and we've paid for that," said the Brazilian. "Sometimes you have a perfect year with a reliable car, and then sometimes you have these ups and downs, and that has been our championship.
"Everybody has worked hard, with heart, and they've done a great job.
"But we have to congratulate Lewis. He did a great championship, he scored more points than us, and he is a great champion.
"But I'm proud and I'm leaving the track with my head held high, although with mixed emotions."
McLaren chief Ron Dennis hailed Hamilton as a deserved champion after the race.
"He's a very special talent. He's the youngest ever world champion and he's done it so well," Dennis told ITV. "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," he added.