Former Formula One world champion John Surtees hopes Lewis Hamilton's title success will inspire a new generation of British drivers to take up the sport.
Hamilton overtook Timo Glock on the final corner of the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday to finish fifth and claim the championship by just one point.
At 23 years old, Hamilton is now the youngest man to lift the drivers' title in Formula One history.
Surtees became Formula One champion in 1964 and remains the only man in history to be world champion on two wheels and four after winning the 500cc world motorbike championship six years earlier.
Hamilton's win can now be the inspiration for young British drivers, according to Surtees.
"I hope it is a catalyst for getting more young people involved in British motorsport and giving them a chance to go out there and represent their country," he said.
"I hope it will do good things for British motorsport and inspire the kids who are all wanting to get onto the track involved with the sport.
"A lot of kids are starting out racing when they are eight or even six years old. They need a role model and Lewis can now provide that."
After narrowly missing out on the championship in his debut year in the sport, the 23-year-old now stands to become a global icon after his triumph.
Hamilton's win will be worth tens of millions of pounds to international brands and he stands to earn millions off the track on top of his lucrative racing contract with McLaren.
Surtees has warned Hamilton against being caught up in all the hysteria but insists he and his family are strong enough to keep Hamilton's feet firmly on the ground.
"He will now have to embrace all the wealth, luxury and all the hangers-on that come with it," said Surtees.
"But he is already a role model to many and I think generally he handles himself well off the circuit as well as on it.
"There was a lot of criticism flying about about him this year. I'd put that down to jealousy of his driving, his personality and his wealth.
"A lot of the responsibility for keeping his feet on the ground will be with his family. His father (Anthony) is an intelligent man and will guide him in the right direction.
"He will be key to keeping him in check. He wouldn't be so prominently involved with the team if he didn't have something between the ears. He is not a stupid individual and will know how to deal with these situations."
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