The new Formula 1 season is back this weekend for a new season, and back on the BBC after a long stint on ITV. The season kicks off in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix this weekend. Defending F1 champion Lewis Hamilton will have his work cut out this season with the McLaren team really struggling for pace in practice.

British F1 fans needn’t despair however, because Jensen Button has a real shout this year with his new team Brawn GP - Jensen has been leading the pack in practice sessions in Barcelona and should be a real F1 title contender this year. Brawn GP was borne out of the old Honda team, and run by Ross Brawn formerly of Ferrari. Others likely to be challenging for pole position are Robert Kubica of BMW, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikonnen and Felipe Massa.

Betting on the F1 Australian Grand Prix this weekend is easy with Paddy Power - there are a range of bets to choose from.

Click here to bet on the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix with Paddy Power

(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Lewis Hamilton has just won the F1 World Championship in Interlagos, narrowly pipping Brazilian Felipe Massa to the post in the final race, and the final lap of the Formula 1 season.

Massa won the race and Ferrari thought they had the Championship in the bag - Hamilton had needed to finish at least fifth and with just 2 laps remaining, Sebastien Vettel overtook him taking fifth place for himself and leaving Lewis languishing and struggling in 6th spot. But, in one of the most dramatic Formula 1 finishes of all time, Lewis Hamilton managed to overtake Toyota driver Timo Glock to reclaim fifth and secure the World Championship, an amazing feat for a 22 year old in just his second year in Formula 1.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis was understandably ecstatic, as was Lewis’ father Anthony Hamilton. A British World Champion, the first since Damon Hill 12 years ago. The Brazilian Grand Prix also marked the end of 12 years of ITV Formula 1 coverage, with the sport switching to BBC next year.

There is a lot of Lewis Hamilton merchandise available to buy, including his book ‘Lewis Hamilton: My Story’ available in hardcover or paperback; a Zap Lewis Hamilton Fleece Blanket featuring Lewis driving the famous Maclaren car in his already famous yellow helmet; Lewis Hamilton Life in the Fast Lane DVD, an unofficial look at Lewis’ rapid rise to fame; Lewis Hamilton photo prints; Lewis Hamilton towel and a Lewis Hamilton biography by Ian Stafford entitled ‘New Kid on the Grid’.

After clinching the World Championship, Lewis Hamilton is now guaranteed world fame, and not just in the world of Formula One. With a girlfriend in the Pussycat Dolls, a Swiss mansion and now at the top of the most glamorous sport in the world, Lewis has well and truly arrived.

Click here to buy Lewis Hamilton merchandise including his autobiography ‘Lewis Hamilton: My Story’, as seen on F1 ITV

(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)

 Loading ...