Lewis Hamilton wins 2014 F1 championship: What they said - From father Anthony to Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda
Hamilton secured the second title of his career after powering to victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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Your support makes all the difference.Lewis Hamilton is now a two-time Formula One world champion after clinching victory in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
With 11 victories overall for Mercedes this year, Hamilton has been acclaimed as a worthy champion.
Here, we bring you the thoughts of numerous personalities who watched the race at the Yas Marina circuit.
Anthony Hamilton, Lewis' father:
"Fantastic. I am even more proud because he's done it on his own. He's had lots of family support, but he's made decisions himself, he's driven the thing himself and he's now a double world champion. It's an amazing journey and it's not even over yet. The best is yet to come."
Nicolas Hamilton, Lewis' brother:
"Today was meant to be. He's worked so hard this year, the team have been fantastic, and he has got what he deserves. To be a two-time world champion now is absolutely phenomenal. For me, in my eyes, I always thought Lewis was worth a lot more than just one championship. We finally got a second one, which is fantastic. I'm massively proud of him."
Toto Wolff, Mercedes motorsport boss:
"Lewis won 11 races, he's had a really incredibly season. He's had many ups and down, but in the end he is a worthy world champion."
Niki Lauda, three-times champion and Mercedes non-executive chairman:
"Outstanding. He won 11 races, he won the championship. I am especially proud because two-and-a-half years ago I asked him to leave McLaren and join Mercedes. His argument was 'When are we competitive?' I said I am going to guarantee you a world championship, and second year here, here it is. I'm happy because I didn't break my promises."
Damon Hill, 1996 world champion:
"There was so much tension, so much uncertainty. We get drawn into Lewis' emotional experience. But when he picked up the flag on the way home I'm afraid I got quite emotional about that. It's been a brilliant year and he's given his heart and soul to it, and he deserves it."
Ron Dennis, Hamilton's former boss at McLaren:
"Great, fantastic for him. The right person won the championship. He won the most races, he suffered the most mechanical failures, so to cope with all of those things and win the title fair and square is great. He even won the race, which is also great because I'm sure in his mind there was some thought on just coming second to make life easier for himself. But he didn't, he's a racer, and I like that."
Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal:
"Lewis is very much the deserving champion. He has won 11 grands prix, and it would have been wrong for anybody else to have won this year. He has done a super job all year and really does deserve the title."
PA
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