Messages of congratulations have come pouring in for world champion Kimi Raikkonen, who sealed the greatest prize in motor racing with victory in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, racing on Bridgestone tyres. Ferrari team boss Jean Todt praised the Finn for his "superb drive", while Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo commented on a "great team effort" from Ferrari.

Raikkonen trailed McLaren's Lewis Hamilton by 17 points with two races of the year to go, but victories in both China and Brazil saw him end the year one point ahead of the Briton. It was an incredible finale, a thrilling finish to a very challenging season and even Italian president Giorgio Napolitano was full of praise after Raikkonen's win.

"Compliments to Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa and all the team at Ferrari for an extraordinary victory in difficult circumstances," he said.