Lewis Hamilton tells Jenson Button to enjoy ‘unreal’ feeling of being F1 world champion

By Telegraph staff and agencies Published: 12:16PM BST 22 Oct 2009 Hamilton’s reign came to an end on Sunday as Button’s fifth-placed finish in the Brazilian Grand Prix was enough to see him crowned. The 29-year-old is Britain’s 10th world champion, following in the footsteps of the likes of Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell and Hamilton himself. It is also the first time in 40 years Britain has enjoyed back-to-back success since Hill and Stewart in 1968 and 1969, although no Briton has ever successfully defended the crown. Whilst naturally urging Button to slowly savour the moment, the 24-year-old also knows just what the demands of being world champion can bring. “Becoming Formula One world champion is a strange and unreal feeling,” said Hamilton. “I heard on Sunday Jenson kept on saying ‘I’m champion, I’m world champion’, and I kind of knew exactly what he meant. “It’s all too much to take in at once, especially in one day. “For me, I still don’t really think of myself as world champion. Of course, when I first saw the number one on my car, it really meant something. “Then when I arrived in Melbourne for the first race it also meant something new to me, but I still have the same determination to succeed I’ve always had. “My only advice for Jenson would be to let it slowly sink in, and to enjoy it. “Being champion will pull you in directions you hadn’t previously thought about, and it’s all about resetting your balance, finding calmness and refocusing for the new challenges ahead. “But it’s also an incredibly uplifting feeling, a total relief and it brings something special to your life. “You couldn’t really have asked for Jenson to do any more this season. “He’s won six races and he’s always been in control of himself and been a great asset for the Brawn GP team. “He will make a great champion. I’m proud of what he’s done, both him and his team.” Hamilton is rightly proud of the fact he and Button continue to keep the motorsport flag flying for Britain. The McLaren star is looking to maintain the fight at the front he has enjoyed with Button throughout the second half of this year into next season, with the hope the title remains in this country. “He knows I’ve been supporting him all…

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Posted by admin 22 October 2009

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