Praise pours down on hero Hamilton

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has the led tributes to new Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, hailing the sporting hero as "inspirational".

Hamilton made history by winning the title despite finishing only fifth in the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The McLaren driver appeared to lose his chance when he slipped down to sixth place with three laps to go in wet conditions.

With his only title rival Felipe Massa leading the race, Hamilton had to finish in the first five to become the youngest ever world champion and he moved up a place on the penultimate corner by overtaking Timo Glock to clinch the title.

The Prime Minister said: "I think the whole country is thrilled by his exceptional talent.

"I think the whole of Britain are proud of the inspirational Lewis Hamilton and the McLaren team."

Tory leader David Cameron said: "Lewis is not just the youngest ever winner of the F1 Drivers Championship, he is now officially a British sporting legend and a role model for what you can achieve if you follow your dream."

British racing greats including Damon Hill, Sir Jackie Stewart and Sir Stirling Moss also lined up to praise the 23-year-old.

Hill, the last British world champion in 1996, said: "I send my heartfelt congratulations to the Hamilton family - it will have to go down as one of the most exciting Formula One races ever.

"It's a momentous day. We're here celebrating another British world champion and I'm really pleased. He will go on and win more championships.

"He's been through the biggest, toughest test you can possibly go through and he's bringing the cup home."

Sir Jackie, who was victorious in 1969, 1971 and 1973, said: "He's a very lucky boy to be this early in his career with such excellent support all behind a very young man with enormous natural talent and raw skill."

Sir Stirling, 79, regarded as the most talented driver never to win the title, added: "I think if you're talking about a man's ability to control a car, use a car, I think he's up there with the best now."

Eddie Jordan, the 60-year-old founder and former owner of the Jordan team, said: "I've had a few scary moments myself - but I've never seen anything like it.

"Within a couple of corners of the finish he'd gone I don't think anyone would want to go through that again."

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