- 02 Nov 08, 20:25#77684Right, well, I don't know where to start. All I can say is that I'm incredibly, incredibly happy. When I saw it starting to rain again I really couldn't believe it. Kubica caused a bit of friction and helped Vettel get past - which was not really his fault, by the way - and I really couldn't believe it. I thought it was all over. Then, a couple of minutes later, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Glock run wide. I really thought it was too late for a mistake like that. I just jumped up and started cheering. The feeling of adrenaline was incredible. I was shaking like a leaf and tears came to my eyes. Yes, tears of joy. What a wonderful feeling. It's been a tough nine years. There have been so many near misses: in 1999, the constructors' title was stolen from us; in 2000 and 2001, Ferrari just did a better job; in 2003, Raikkonen missed just missed out on the drivers' title; in 2005, the car was the fastest car by a mile, but was too unreliable; in 2006, the FIA changed the rules on tyres at the last minute; and in 2007, political intervention and an internecine war got in the way. And I thought 2008 was going to be another year that should have been, but what never was. Thankfully, the luck - deservedly - went in McLaren's favour this time.
I don't like how Ferrari operate, and I really hope they are hurting tonight. Maybe then they'll feel a fraction of the pain that everybody at McLaren felt when titles that they thought they won were stolen from right under their noses. That said, there are two sets of people for whom I really feel, and would like to see spared from grieve, if it were possible. First, Massa, who, for me, has improved dramatically as a driver. I was never his greatest admirer, and I'd still not put him into the very top bracket of Formula One drivers, but his effort this year has been inspirational. He can hold his chin up high and I hope that he continues to improve. Second, it must have been terrible for his family to think that for a moment he was champion, and then have their feelings dashed. So, I genuinely feel sorry for the both of them and my heart goes out to them both.
Anyway, I'm still in disbelief. That's been the most exciting title finish I've ever seen. Surely it must rank as one of the greatest, if not the greatest ever.

Ayrton Senna: WDC 1988,
1989, 1990, 1991
McLaren: WCC 1974, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998,
1999, 2007McLaren: WDC 1974, 1976, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2008