Lewis Hamilton on the raw emotion of winning his second title: I don't like crying in public but it was all too much

As the newly crowned drivers’ champion — Britain’s first multiple winner since the days of Sir Jackie Stewart — this was his night. Yet, as he took his place among friends, family and colleagues, watching those he loved at their happiest, he wasn’t thinking mere shallow triumphalism.

Hamilton, an increasingly mature 29, was looking back as well as forward. To karts, and childhood Christmas presents, and the view across the road to the hostel in Stevenage. To his dad in the garage and Knorr’s chicken and noodle soup. The formative years, a biographer would call them; or the making of a champion.

Hamilton leapt out of his Mercedes and ran to his family and girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger

Hamilton won a second drivers' championship six years after his first world title

Hamilton crosses the line ahead of Felipe Massa to confirm his status as world champion for the second time

Hamilton at the after-race party with girlfriend Scherzinger and singer Estelle

Hamilton looks relaxed after winning his second championship, which he described as better than the first

Prince Harry was also at the Amber Lounge in Abu Dhabi, where Hamilton celebrated his title