LONDON, Nov 5: Lewis Hamilton’s achievement in winning the Formula One World Championship has been recognised by a letter of commendation from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.

The 23-year-old Englishman became the youngest champion in the sport’s history when, after finishing fifth in the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, he took the title by just a point from race-winner and local hero Felipe Massa.

“To Lewis Hamilton esquire, I’m delighted that you succeeded in winning the Formula One World Championship to become the youngest-ever champion,” the Queen wrote.

“I send you my warmest congratulations on your remarkable and historic achievement.

“Elizabeth R.” Hamilton himself returned in triumph Wednesday to the headquarters of his McLaren team in Woking, south-west of London, to thank the huge back-up team behind his success.

More than 1,000 McLaren employees greeted him as he drove in at the wheel of a Formula One car. “I’m shaking like a leaf here. I’ve never seen you all before in one place,” Hamilton, who has only been a Grand Prix driver for two seasons, said.

“I am standing here today to say a big thank you to all of you including the people who work here on the night shift and weekends when I don’t see all of you.”

Hamilton, first spotted by McLaren boss Ron Dennis when he was still a boy go-kart racer, re-affirmed his commitment to the British team.

Standing behind an array of silverware won during his brief Formula One career, he said: “We have proved to everyone that we are the best team and we have the best car.”—AFP