Lewis Hamilton Crowned Formula One World Champion

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton became the youngest world champion in Formula One history in a dramatic and nail-biting 2008 season finale in Brazil.

Hamilton grabbed the title back by overtaking Toyota's Timo Glock to finish the race in fifth place and one point ahead of his Ferrari rival. He finished the Driver's World Championship with 98 points, while rival Massa had 97. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team finished second in the Constructor's World Championship.

Not yet 24 years of age, Hamilton has succeeded Fernando Alonso, who was 122 days older when he won the title in 2005, as the sport's youngest champion.

An overwhelmed Hamilton exclaimed, "It's pretty impossible to put into words. I was shouting, 'Do I have it? Do I have it?' And when they told me, I was ecstatic."

He continued, "I am just thankful and I am proud of the team around me that's given me the opportunity, and I am just so thankful that I can return the favor. It was such a tough race, the toughest race of my life. I am still speechless."

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal Ron Dennis proclaimed, "Lewis took his chance brilliantly, and the result was one of the most thrilling finishes in sporting history. I'm so proud of Lewis; I'm so proud of the team; everyone - every single one of them - did an absolutely fantastic job. Thanks also to all of our partners."

Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport declared, "I am really really happy for all of us at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Everyone in the team worked so hard throughout the year. This was a truly remarkable year for Formula 1." SAP and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Partnership

A long-time partner of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, SAP has been right at the heart of the team's world championship campaigns over the years. With cutting edge computer technology and highly sophisticated IT systems becoming ever more crucial to Formula 1 success, SAP's advanced software has played a key role in the development of the V8 engine in the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 2008 car, the MP4-23.

Modern Formula 1 motor racing is all about speed - and not just out on the track. Performance improvements are now measured in milliseconds, and development cycles are impossibly short in an environment where it is not uncommon for critical components to be completely redesigned, tested, and manufactured within the two weeks between races. During this critical interim, qualified SAP Business All-in-One partner solutions provide Vodafone McLaren Mercedes with the edge to outperform the competition.

SAP and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes are looking forward to continued success. We are confident that determination, hard-work, and unwavering commitment to excellence will result in a strong performance for the rest of the 2008 Formula One Championship and beyond.