WOKING: Newly-crowned Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton made an emotional return to the McLaren headquarters on Wednesday and promised the adoring workforce that he would stay with the team.
The factory, 32 kms south of London, produced the car he drove in Sunday's nerve-shredding finale in Brazil and the 23-year-old Briton arrived in it to a roar of adulation.
Formula One's youngest world champion was blinded by a sea of flashing cameras as he mounted a platform groaning with the trophies accumulated from the last two seasons - 22 podium finishes from 35 races.
More than 1,000 employees, almost all of them glowing in the company's luminous orange livery and many of them wet-eyed with emotion, provided a vivid backdrop as they crowded round to hear their hero offer his thanks.
"When I think back to when I was 13 and visited the old factory, and everything that has happened since and now here we are - world champions," he proclaimed, to a roar of approval.
"I've been seeing so many of you for years and to know I'm part of this team and can make so many people so happy, I'm a bit overwhelmed."
Hamilton moved through the throng, posing for photographs and signing autographs in the spotless, hi-tech edifice that bears more resemblance to a giant hospital operating theatre than a traditional car factory.
He talked of how he used to touch the cars of former world champions Ayrton Senna and Mika Hakkinen and try to imagine what it would be like to drive them.
"Now I can have my car here, a car that thanks to you guys didn't stop on me once, with the number one on it, and that makes me prouder than ever," he said.
"We are a team and have been together through all the troubles and trials we have had this season and I truly believe there is nothing else like us in the paddock."
ROLE MODEL
Asked about comparisons with United States President-elect Barack Obama, Hamilton, the first black driver to win the title and who has suffered racial abuse even in his championship season, said he was "happy and proud" to see Obama win Tuesday's election but played down his own ground-breaking achievements.
"I don't think I want to be an inspiration for one particular genre, it (his world title success) opens it up to all groups," he said.
"I do want to be a positive role model, when I was growing up there weren't that many out there. Everyone has troubles but that's how you grow and build character."
Hamilton, who looked stunned when told of a message from Queen Elizabeth congratulating him on his "remarkable and historic achievement", said he was looking forward to having some quiet time with his family but already had an eye on next season.
"Our target is to avoid the penalties and mistakes of this year," he said. "We have a tough job on our hands with the new rules and regulations and we are working flat out to make sure we come out with the best car."
He raised the loudest cheer of the day when asked about his long-term future with McLaren and the sport.
"I'm not going anywhere," he said. "I'm with the team I've always dreamt of driving for and I've got the car I always wanted - so why change?
"I got in that car today and had the greatest smile on my face. The day that doesn't happen I'll know it's time to walk away."
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