On this day in 2014: Lewis Hamilton claims second Formula One world title
The Englishman has previously been crowned champion in 2008.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lewis Hamilton claimed his second Formula One world championship with victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on this day in 2014.
Hamilton, who won his first title in 2008, took control off the line, surging past title rival and Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg who started on pole.
The 29-year-old became only the fourth Briton to win more than one world title, joining Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Sir Jackie Stewart.
Rosberg’s title challenge was hit by a failure of the ERS (energy recovery store) and from that moment he only went backwards.
Hamilton clinched his 11th victory of the season while Rosberg crossed the line in 14th, a full lap adrift.
After Hamilton crossed the line Prince Harry was the first to offer his congratulations over the pit radio as he said: “Lewis, thank you very much for not making the British public sweat. You are a legend!”
“With the enormity of the moment sinking in, Hamilton let out a loud ‘Woohoooooo!’ in reply, before adding ‘World champion!'”
Speaking on the podium, Hamilton added: “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.
“I can’t explain how much this means. This is the greatest day of my life. 2008 was a special time, but the feeling I have now is way past that, above and beyond.”