Abu Dhabi GP: Lewis Hamilton says 2014 F1 title better than 2008

The Briton clinched his second F1 championship with victory in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after a year-long battle with Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton said it surpassed the feeling of beating Felipe Massa to the 2008 crown with McLaren in that season's dramatic decider at Interlagos.

"This is the greatest day of my life," he said. "2008 was a special time in my life; the feeling I have now is way, way past that and above and beyond. It's the greatest feeling I've ever had.

"This has been an incredible year, I cannot believe how amazing it has all been - coming to this team, when people said it was the wrong choice, and the steps we took last year and this year is unbelievable.

"This is like an outside-the-body experience. I want to make sure I give my thanks."

The 29-year-old beat Rosberg into Turn 1 and managed a late attack from Massa's Williams to end the season with 11 victories, while Rosberg was out of the points in 14th after a number of car problems.

"Nico put on an incredible fight through the year," Hamilton added. "We met each other in 1997 and we always said it would be amazing to racing in the same team and fighting for the world championship.

"He did an amazing job today, it's sad to know his car was not quick enough so he could fight but he was graceful enough to come up to me now.

"He was very, very professional."