MOSCOW, November 23 (Sputnik) — Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes has been crowned 2014 Formula One world champion after winning the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Sunday.
Hamilton’s teammate and rival Nico Rosberg suffered a partial engine failure and finished in 14th place.
The 29-year-old Briton, who gained his first title in 2008, claimed his 11th win of the 2014 Formula One season to finish with 384 points.
"Woooooaaahh world champion, oh my God, can’t believe it, thanks everyone," Hamilton exclaimed after taking the checkered flag, as quoted by AFP.
Hamilton passed Rosberg for the lead at the start, taking an advantage of a few seconds over his teammate. Rosberg was unable to put up a challenge to his teammate, who crossed the finish line 2.5 seconds ahead of Williams’ Felipe Massa. Valterri Bottas of Williams took third place.
Russian driver Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso went off the track during the 16th lap due to technical problems and closed the season with eight points.
One of the first to congratulate Hamilton was Britain’s Prince Harry, saying, "Well done Lewis, you are a legend."
Earlier this year, at the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, Mercedes won their first Constructor’s Championship as a works team.
Hamilton began his Formula One career in 2007 for McLaren. In 2008, he won his first world champion title. The 2012 season was his last with McLaren, as he joined Mercedes-Benz in 2013. Hamilton has more race victories than any other British driver in the history of Formula One.
