As Lewis Hamilton popped the cork on a bottle of champagne to celebrate his third world championship title, congratulations poured in from his celebrity friends. Leading Team Lewis in person was Elton John, who watched the title-clinching race in Austin, Texas, where he was also performing a concert.
© Photo: Getty ImagesLewis Hamilton has equalled his hero the late Ayrton Senna with three wins
As the pop star turned up on the podium, Lewis told him: "I can’t believe you’re here," and promised to go and watch his gig.
Others to give a shout out to Formula One's golden boy included Gigi Hadid, Ludacris, Gary Lineker, Piers Morgan, Ben Cohen and Carol Vorderman.
Top model Gigi, who spent a weekend in May hanging out with Lewis and Kendall Jenner, tweeted: "Congrats my brother". Kendall's mother Kris Jenner announced on Instagram: "We are sooooo proud of you" adding the hashtag 'family'.
Meanwhile, British TV favourite Carol asked fans to join her in the "the biggest hooray" for the hero of the hour and the Mercedes team.
Lewis previously won the championship in 2008 and 2014. Along with Jackie Stewart he is only the second British driver ever to clinch back-to-back titles. This third victory also equal the achievements of his hero Ayrton Senna.
Reflecting on his career, wrapped in the Union Jack flag, he said: "It is my boyhood dream fulfilled. I’m just overwhelmed at the moment. It’s difficult to find the words.
"I’m sitting here thinking about my first British championship, when my dad and I drove home singing We are the Champions. That was of Great Britain — it’s just crazy to think I’m a three-time world champion.
"I owe it all to my family and my dad who sacrificed so much for me to be here. My dad did not want me to suffer the way he did. To know the Hamilton name will live on when we are gone is special.
© Photo: Getty ImagesGigi is a friend of Lewis Hamilton's from the glamorous international social circuit
He went on: "I’m also grateful for all the really positive energy I get from my fans who travel around the world to see me.
"This is really a platform for me to inspire young people, and I hope if there’s any inspiring from today that it’s — never give up on your dreams, hopes and desires. There were so many times today I thought I had lost the race. I never for one second believed that I couldn’t do it."
