Brit success inspires new drivers; FOCUS ON HAMILTON'S GRAND PRIX SUCCESS.

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 and is the first British winner since Damon Hill 12 years ago.

Surtees, who became Formula One champion in 1964, hopes Hamilton's win can now be the inspiration for young British drivers.

"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."

The 23-year-old British ace now stands to become a global icon after his triumph.

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 he handles himself well off the circuit as well as on it."

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Former champion Damon hill