Lewis Hamilton wins second World Championship title

Hamilton, who won his first title in 2008, took control off the line, surging past title rival and Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg who started on pole.

The 29-year-old becomes only the fourth Briton to win more than one world title, joining Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Sir Jackie Stewart.

Rosberg's title challenge was hit by a failure of the ERS (energy recovery store) and from that moment he only went backwards.

Hamilton clinched his 11th victory of the season while Rosberg crossed the line in 14th, a full lap adrift.

After Hamilton crossed the line Prince Harry was the first to offer his congratulations over the pit radio as he said: "Lewis, thank you very much for not making the British public sweat. You are a legend!"

With the enormity of the moment sinking in,

Hamilton let out a loud "Woohoooooo!" in reply, before adding: "World champion!"

In fairness, it was fully deserved, and the controversial spectre of the double points did not come into play.

The watching public, however, were denied a fight to the line between the two men who have thoroughly dominated the season.

For Mercedes, it is their 16th victory from the 19 races, a new F1 record, surpassing the mark previously set by Ferrari twice and also McLaren.

However, internally the team will be bitterly disappointed a technical gremlin wrecked the prospect of a spectacular grandstand finish between the former friends.

Standing on the top step of the podium, with the British national anthem ringing out, there were clear tears of joy in Hamilton's eyes.