Lewis Hamilton has won the Monaco Grand Prix. Hamilton described the win as "the highlight of my career and probably will be for the rest of my life".
Hamilton hit the barriers at Tabac corner on lap six as rain fell on the track. His rear right tyre puntured but he was able to pit. He came out of the pits on wet tyres and a full tank of fuel.
This gave him a decisive advantage as he stayed out on track longer than te others and built a substantial lead.
The wet conditions provided plenty of action and excitement.
Fernando Alonso collided with Nick Heidfeld at the Fairmont Hotel hairpin. Punting him sideways. At the time the BMW driver (Heidfeld) had progressed well from 13th on the grid to 5th.
Later in the race Kimi Raikkonen lost control of his Ferrari under braking for the harbourside chicane and plouged into the back of the Sutil the Force India driver, putting the German out of the race while on course for a career-best fourth place.
The stewards were lenient with Raikkonen and he escaped without a penalty.
Robert Kubica finished second in his BMW,
Philip Massa was third for Ferrari.
Hamilton (38pts) is now leading the Drivers Championship by 3 points from Kimi Raikkonen. Massa (34pts) is third, the reliable Kubica is fourth on 32pts. An exciting four driver race for the title is building up.
Ferrari lead the constructors team championship on 58 points with Mercedes McLaren second, sixteen points behind.
Lewis Hamilton in the 2008 Mercedes McLaren.
Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton on becoming Formula One World Champion 2008.
After a rollercoaster season of F1 races, steward's enquiries, appeals and a few crazy moments. The F1 Driver's Championship comes to the final race today at Interlagos in Brazil.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo is keen for the FIA to change the rules regarding team orders in Formula One.
Fernando Alonso won the Japanese Grand Prix. After driving a perfect race to follow up on his win in Singapore.
