No reason to be downbeat, says Hamilton Sr

Hamilton held the points lead going into the Brazilian Grand Prix, but a combination of poor start and some mechanical issues during the race saw him finish seventh while Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen won the race, to also clinch the title.

On final calculation, Raikkonen has won the championship with 109 points while Hamilton ties teammate Fernando Alonso on 108 - giving Hamilton the runner-up spot on count-back of second-place finishes.

But the senior Hamilton was calm and smiling after the race, insisting there is no reason for his son's supporters to feel down.

"None of us are in pain, trust me," he told ITV. "We feel great. We've just had one of the most fantastic Formula One seasons ever. If somebody told a year ago we'd be fighting for the world championship at this stage, I'd have replied they are dreaming.

"But it's been a fantastic year. We lost it by one point - we'll come back next year, and if we don't win it next year, we'll win it the year after. But one thing's for sure: Lewis Hamilton is here to stay.

"We're going to come back next year; the team is going to come back strong. Hopefully all the rubbish that's gone through in Formula One this year will not be there next year, and I think we're going to be a force to be reckoned with again.

Anthony Hamilton also took the opportunity to thank his son's supporter back at home. "I want to thank everybody who's been supporting us this year. Apologies, and I hope everybody is having a good time and a drink.

"Be happy, because it is a happy day."