Lewis Hamilton won the first of his five world titles in 2008 at the age of just 23, becoming the youngest Formula One champion in history.
Lewis Hamilton won the first of his five world titles in 2008 at the age of just 23, becoming the youngest Formula One champion in history.
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He held a seven-point lead over Felipe Massa going into the final race of the year at Interlagos, Sao Paulo and knew fifth place would be enough to secure victory.
He held a seven-point lead over Felipe Massa going into the final race of the year at Interlagos, Sao Paulo and knew fifth place would be enough to secure victory.
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But torrential rain fell to delay the start of the race, altering the teams' race strategies. Another late downpour caused unpredictable drama to unfold on the track, with Hamilton overtaking Timo Glock on the final corner to move into fifth and win the world championship.
But torrential rain fell to delay the start of the race, altering the teams' race strategies. Another late downpour caused unpredictable drama to unfold on the track, with Hamilton overtaking Timo Glock on the final corner to move into fifth and win the world championship.
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Hamilton, who had thrown away the title a year earlier in the final race of the season, celebrated with his father Anthony, who had been supportive of his son all the way throughout his childhood karting career.
Hamilton, who had thrown away the title a year earlier in the final race of the season, celebrated with his father Anthony, who had been supportive of his son all the way throughout his childhood karting career.
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Hamilton's victory meant he became the first Brit to be crowned world champion since Damon Hill in 1996.
Hamilton's victory meant he became the first Brit to be crowned world champion since Damon Hill in 1996.
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Brazilian Felipe Massa wept in his cockpit after hearing Hamilton had got the overtake he needed on the final corner. His dignity and pride in defeat, made more painful being on home soil, earned him admiration from all over the world.
Brazilian Felipe Massa wept in his cockpit after hearing Hamilton had got the overtake he needed on the final corner. His dignity and pride in defeat, made more painful being on home soil, earned him admiration from all over the world.
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