PRINCE HARRY hailed Lewis Hamilton as "a legend" as the Mercedes driver secured his second Formula One world title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

As the Englishman's car took the chequered flag to seal his 11th win in 19 races this season, he heard the royal motor-racing fan tell him over the radio from the pit wall: "Lewis, thank you very much for not making the British public sweat. You are an absolute legend."

The 29-year-old Brit yelled back: "World champion! Oh my God, I can't believe it, thanks everyone." On his lap of honour, Hamilton held a Union flag aloft in his cockpit with the words "Hammer Time" written on it.

He then embraced his dad Anthony, pop-star girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger and other members of his family before bursting into tears on the podium as the national anthem was played.

Afterwards Hamilton said: "This has been just an incredible year. I can't believe how amazing. This is the greatest moment in my life.

"Winning in 2008 was special, but the feeling I have now is above and beyond that."

The much-anticipated Duel in the Desert turned into a damp squib after Hamilton's only title challenger, team-mate Nico Rosberg, developed mechanical trouble after starting on pole.

He finished 14th and shook Hamilton's hand before admitting: "All in all, Lewis deserved to win the championship. He did just a little bit better than me."

Brazilian Felipe Massa finished second for Williams in the race, with Finnish team-mate Valtteri Bottas third. Australian Daniel Ricciardo was fourth just ahead of Jenson Button in what may have been the British driver's last race in Formula One.