Debate: Can Britain learn to love Lewis Hamilton?

Lewis Hamilton has pledged his long-term future to McLaren and thanked the team for making his Formula One World Championship triumph possible.

The 23-year-old, who became the sport's youngest world champion on Sunday, made the promise as he visitied the company's 1,000 employees at their headquarters in Woking, Surrey. .

"I'm shaking like a leaf here. I've never seen you all before in one place," he said. "It's pretty awesome for me to be standing here. My heart's still racing. It hasn't really hit home yet.

"I'm 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 you."

Pledging his allegiance to McLaren, he added: "We have proved to everyone that we are the best team and we have the best car.

"We have been under so much pressure and we have lost together and won together and this weekend we have won the world championship. These trophies are a result of all your hard work and you should pat yourselves on the back.

"I love this team. I'm not going anywhere."

The Queen has also offered Hamilton a message of congratulations. Her Majesty wrote: "To Lewis Hamilton esquire, I'm delighted that you succeeded in winning the Formula One World Championship to become the youngest-ever champion.

"I send you my warmest congratulations on your remarkable and historic achievement. Elizabeth R."