Britain hails its new superstar in Lewis Hamilton

Britain hailed a new hero after Hamilton was crowned the youngest world champion in the history of Formula One and became the first Briton to take the title for 12 years.

Britain hailed a new hero on Monday after Lewis Hamilton was crowned the youngest world champion in the history of Formula One and became the first Briton to take the title for 12 years.

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Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the country would be "thrilled" at the achievements of the 23-year-old, while newspapers praised his progress from a council estate to one of Britain's sporting greats.

"Lewis Hamilton is a true superstar on the world stage. We're proud he's ours," The Sun said.

The heart-stopping Brazilian Grand Prix where Hamilton's boyhood dreams came true on Sunday, racing into fifth place on the final lap to clinch the title by one point from Felipe Massa, was hailed as a one of the most exciting ever.