Hamilton: Billy Monger was inspiring to world championship success

Lewis Hamilton has said that Billy Monger was a "real inspiration" during his title-winning season, with Hamilton clinching his fifth crown.

Hamilton wrapped up an excellent season in Abu Dhabi, winning his 11th race of the season, after seeing off competition from Sebastian Vettel with two races to spare at the Mexican Grand Prix.

The five-time world champion celebrated with his top off at the Yas Marinas Circuit, and Hamilton has revealed that he gained inspiration from Monger, who lost both of his lower legs following a horrible crash in Formula 4.

Monger completed a historic comeback to single-seater racing this year in Formula 3, where he joined Carlin.

"I've always king of wanted to do it," Hamilton explained to Sky Sports F1. "I always wanted to show, 'Still I Rise'.

"I think it was a perfect moment because that's really how it's been this year. I really would encourage anyone who doesn't know what 'Still I Rise' is, it's a poem out there, please go and read it.

"It applies to anyone that's stumbling and falling. Look at Billy Monger, he's been a real inspiration to me this year. I'm sure he'll find it really strange because he probably looks up to me in the sense that he wants to be in Formula 1.

"But what he's done and so many people who have gone through difficult times, who have stumbled and got back up stronger, that's really what 'Still I Rise' is all about. I've tried to be as big a spokesman as I can about it. That's really why I did it."