However, things weren't to be; in the final race in Brazil, it all went wrong for Hamilton who suffered from mechanical problems with his car and finished 8th in the race, meaning he was just beaten to being crowned the youngest ever F1 champion.

Hamilton's team, McLaren, have stated that they may appeal against the stewards' decision not to penalise Williams and BMW Sauber for alleged fuel irregularities, but despite this meaning that Hamilton would then be crowned champion, he has publicly stated that he does not want to win the title under such circumstances. He has announced that he wants to win the world championship on the racetrack, not in an appeal court, adding that such a situation would be detrimental to the sport of F1.

Even though the F1 season is over for another year, there are still plenty of world class to keep petrol heads happy; The World Rally Championship, the Karting World Championship and the European Drag racing championship amongst others.

And for those who wonder how motor sport could ever be seen as 'green', the FIA Alternatives Energies Cup is a growing competition that pits various green forms of alternative energy powered vehicles against each other, such as solar power and electrically powered automobiles. Hardened motor sport enthusiasts may miss the scream and smell of the petrol engine, but the Alternative Energies cup is helping to further renewable and less damaging forms of vehicular technology whilst at the same time providing some superb racing sport.

And don't forget the hundreds of local motor races that take place throughout the country at small club circuits every week. These may not carry the prestige of world cup events, but they can be just as entertaining and it's here that you'll find some of the most interesting classes of vehicles being pitted against each other; coaches, taxis, ambulances, tractors, minis - even sit-on lawn mowers, if it's got wheels and an engine, there's likely to be a club of enthusiasts that races them.

We all know that a massive part of the attraction of motor sports is the element of danger and the chance of a spectacular crash; and this is one area where local banger racing circuits can almost guarantee entertainment, as many local race days will end with a real crowd pleaser - the demolition derby. This is a 'last man stands' affair - enter all ye who dare, rev up your engines and then bump, crash, scrape and collide until only one car can still move. The perfect end to a day at the races.