Hamilton pledges future to McLaren

Lewis Hamilton has pledged the rest of his career to McLaren after becoming the youngest ever Formula One world champion.

Speaking at a homecoming event at the team's headquarters in Woking on Wednesday, Hamilton told McLaren's staff he will never drive for anyone else.

"It's easy. I'm with the team I've always dreamed of being with and if you have the car of your dreams then why would you want to leave?" the 23-year-old said.

"The day I get in the car and don't have the motivation, maybe that's the time to get out but I want to see my career out with this team."

Messages of congratulations have been flooding in since Hamilton clinched the championship with fifth place in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.

"I haven't had the time to check out all the messages on my mobile phone," added Hamilton, who also received more formal congratulations from The Queen who wrote: "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."

Hamilton thanked his family for their support and his team for maintaining faith after the disappointment of missing out on the title by a single point the previous year.

"Last season I didn't plan out the whole year so at the end I was really spent," he added.

"I've got loads of energy now and I think that comes from everybody giving me their support to keep my head up. It makes me happy to make other people happy."