It’s not been a great year for fans of British sport. The English Rugby League team has just been humbled by an extremely exciting Australian side, the England cricketers have been left licking their wounds after embarrassment in the final of the Stanford Super Series, and let’s not even think about the fortunes of the England football team prior to the appointment of Fabio Capello.

Last week also saw Andy Murray disappoint, after his shocking exit from the Paris Masters at the hands of David Nalbandian. However, this weekend saw wide smiles return to the faces of sports fans across the country after a tense, exciting, nerve-wracking and truly brilliant day in Brazil.

Lewis Hamilton, who is still only 23 years of age, was crowned world champion after a thrilling finale to the Formula One season. The driver is one of only two people to have claimed the championship in their second season. Jacques Villeneuve, the Canadian driver, achieved this feat in 1997.

Hamilton also became the youngest ever Formula One champion, beating Fernando Alonso’s previous record, and was left speechless and overwhelmed by the events of the day.

He was unable to describe his emotions, stating that “it’s pretty impossible to put my feelings into words”. However, he was able to describe his relief at winning after such “a long journey” and he believes that “all the sacrifices” made along the way have been made worthwhile.

The race in Brazil left fans of the young driver on the edge of their seats. Felipe Massa, who was truly gracious in defeat, won the race, leaving Hamilton needing to claim fifth position or higher.

However, with just one lap to go, the young Brit was in sixth position. Thankfully, the final corner saw Hamilton dramatically speed past Timo Glock and claim the position needed to earn him the world championship.

The television coverage showed some interesting scenes at the end of the race. Ferrari officials and friends and family of Felipe Massa were shown celebrating before coming to the realisation that Hamilton had managed to win the world championship.

When the accurate results filtered through to the respective camps, it was the turn of Hamilton’s family to smile. The driver’s father was overcome with emotion and the youngster was quick to show his gratitude: “I’m ecstatic, very emotional, very thankful for my team and my family and everyone who has supported me”.

Hamilton continued to praise Ron Dennis, the McLaren team boss, thanking him for the “opportunity” handed to him “years ago”. He believes that winning the world championship has gone some way to paying him back but he is still keen to win titles in the future.

As always with sporting events of such intensity, there was some controversy after the race. Timo Glock was forced to defend himself after accusations from various sectors of the Formula One world that he had helped Hamilton win the title.

Glock was angry that the weather had affected the race and was obviously simply upset that the “last lap just cost us the chance to be in the top five”.