Lewis win watched by 13.1m fans

Hamilton finished the Brazilian Grand Prix in fifth position

A peak of 13.1 million viewers watched Lewis Hamilton win the Formula One world championship on Sunday afternoon, ITV has said.

An average of 8.8 million viewers watched the entire programme, making it the most watched race since ITV began broadcasting the sport in 1997.

It said the peak audience was second highest for a sport event this year.

The 23-year-old is the youngest driver to take the title and the first British world champion in 12 years.

Ratings are based on an average of viewers every five minutes.

'Wonderfully dramatic'

The Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester United, which was also broadcast on ITV1 in May, had a peak audience of 14.6 million during a penalty shoot-out at the end of the match.

It was such a hard race and I'm ecstatic Lewis Hamilton

ITV's director of news and sport, Mark Sharman, said: "I'm delighted that we were able to bring ITV1 viewers yet another wonderfully dramatic sports event."

Hamilton finished the Brazilian Grand Prix in fifth place and won the championship overall.

He clinched the title when he passed Timo Glock's Toyota in the final lap.

"It was such a hard race and I'm ecstatic, very emotional, very thankful for my team and my family and everyone who has supported me," Hamilton said afterwards.