LEWIS Hamilton finished third in Sunday s Brazilian Grand Prix. After qualifying 18th at Interlagos in the rain and starting round 16 of the 2009 FIA Formula 1 World Championship from one place further up the grid, Herts-born Hamilton produced a true cham

LEWIS Hamilton finished third in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.

After qualifying 18th at Interlagos in the rain and starting round 16 of the 2009 FIA Formula 1 World Championship from one place further up the grid, Herts-born Hamilton produced a true champion's drive to claim an unexpected podium.

He crossed the finish line third as fellow Briton Jenson Button did just enough to take the world title in fifth spot.

The Brazilian race was won Australian Mark Webber for Red Bull ahead of BMW driver Robert Kubica.

Then came 24-year-old McLaren Mercedes man Hamilton, with Sebastian Vettel fourth in the other Red Bull.

Frome flyer Button was fifth for Brawn GP to take the world title off Hamilton's hands.

However, Tewin hero Hamilton's performance suggests he is only handing the trophy to Button on loan.

Hamilton was surprised at taking third place in Sao Paulo.

Last season's F1 world champion said: "I was so far behind on the grid that I didn't expect to finish on the podium, but I fought so hard and kept pushing like crazy throughout the whole race.

"It feels like a win when you come through fighting for positions all the time with good overtaking manoeuvres at the end."

The final race of the season is the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, November 1.