Lewis Hamilton's former team-mate Nico Rosberg was among those to congratulate the British driver on a sixth Formula One world title.

Rosberg abruptly retired after beating his Mercedes colleague to the title in 2016 – the only time in the last six years that Hamilton has not claimed the trophy.

Rosberg wrote on Twitter: "Karting together who would have thought that we'd both be #F1 world champion one day. And you? You've achieved it for the sixth time – on your way to becoming the GOAT. Impressive! My greatest respect – enjoy these moments and celebrate."

Rosberg was not the only driver to take to Twitter to congratulate Hamilton.

Jenson Button wrote: "Congratulations @LewisHamilton. The boy from Stevenage does it again!"

French driver Romain Grosjean added: "Congrats champ. Hope to be back (like the good old days) to challenge you for podiums in the future."

FIA president Jean Todt offered his congratulations, saying: "Unique achievement @LewisHamilton with 6 @FIA @F1 world champion driver's titles. the most successful behind Michael @schumacher"

Congratulations came from other sporting figures, with Gary Lineker tweeting: "Congratulations to @LewisHamilton on winning a staggering 6th @F1 World Championship.

"A phenomenal achievement by one of our greatest ever sportsmen."

Former tennis star Boris Becker said: "Congratulations and so much respect for @LewisHamilton becoming world champion again... number 6!!!"

DJ Trevor Nelson, meanwhile, used his tweet to call for Hamilton to become the latest British sporting star to be knighted.

"Sir Andy Murray, Sir Mo Farah, Sir Nick Faldo, Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Henry Cooper, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Matthew Pinsent... now 6 x world champion Lewis Hamilton 2nd all time to Schumacher," wrote Nelson. "What are they waiting for."