British racer Lewis Hamilton yesterday gave thanks to God after being crowned the Formula One world champion for the second time.

Thanking his fans and family for supporting him, 29-year-old Hamilton said: "I can't really explain how much this means. It means even more than the first one. It feel like it's the first time. I feel so blessed."

Adding that it was the "greatest day" of his life, Hamilton said: "It's the greatest feeling ever. I'm grateful to God, I'm grateful for my car finishing and really, to everyone, thank you so much everyone. Thank you."

Watching the race in Abu Dhabi was Hamilton's girlfriend, Nicole Scherzinger, and Prince Harry, who congratulated Hamilton over the team radio, calling him an "absolute legend".

"Lewis thank you very, very much for not making the British public sweat. You are an absolute legend. Well done mate," the 30-year-old royal said.

Hamilton waved the British flag as he did a victory lap of the Yas Marina circuit, and was pictured with tears in his eyes as the national anthem was played.

"I'm lost for words. I want to say a big, huge thank you for all the fans coming out all this way, it made all the difference this weekend, and to my family and my mum back home, and to my team," he said.

It is now thought likely that Hamilton will be knighted.