Lewis Hamilton edged a little closer to feeling like a world champion on Friday as he finally got hold of the trophy.

Seeing his name and signature etched into the two-foot high vase-like silver and gold prize alongside his heroes and legends of the sport was an emotional moment for Hamilton.

It was the culmination of a remarkable year that started on January 7, his 23rd birthday, when McLaren gave him a present to remember - the car he drove to glory.

The crowning moment arrived on November 2 at the Brazilian Grand Prix when he captured the points he needed with an overtaking manoeuvre at the penultimate corner of the last lap of the final race of the season.

It was truly dramatic stuff, but he has since had to wait six weeks to get his hands on the silverware.

That came at Friday night's FIA Gala Dinner in Monte Carlo where all of the world governing body's champions were honoured.

The immediate build-up to Hamilton being handed the trophy was dominated by a five-minute video montage that reviewed an enthralling season.

Pertinently for Hamilton, though, it began with images and words of not just the young star, but also of his ultimate hero, the late Ayrton Senna.

"That was incredible. I wasn't expecting that," said Hamilton.

"I was expecting there to be a mix of many different people, so that for me was very special, seeing him and hearing his voice in the background.

"To have him put alongside my career gave me a few goosebumps.

"All the things he said, I felt them. Through my whole life I've always felt, word by word, whatever he has said, it has always stuck with me.

"When I received the trophy I looked for Ayrton's name immediately, and then I saw others like Sir Jackie Stewart, Juan Manuel Fangio.

"Seeing my name alongside theirs made it sink in that little bit more that I am world champion. Bit by bit it sinks in.

"I've obviously been conscious of the achievement, and to be standing there receiving the trophy reminds you of it.

"What can I say? What an incredible year. It was a great season.

"At the end of all the video footage was one of my proudest moments for me, seeing the pictures of me and my dad was very emotional for us."

Hamilton will be able to relax and savour his success for a few weeks yet as he is not due to step back into the cockpit of his car until the middle of next month.

Prior to that he will build up his fitness programme, interlaced with personal appearances at various events, starting with a guest spot at Sunday's Race of Champions at Wembley.

Then it will be a quick dash to Liverpool where he is one of the contenders for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

Next season, though, is already on his mind, adding: "I feel great now.

"I've just started getting back into my training and I'm really looking forward to the future.

"I'm back on it and I'll be ready."

As far as team principal Ron Dennis is concerned, he hopes that will lead to back-to-back championships.

Speaking after the awards ceremony, Dennis said: "It's always good to win, and that's what our team exists for.

"It's what we are all about, and when we fulfil our objective, then everybody in the company is happy.

"In this (financial) climate it's hard to be positive, but that's what we are.

"We're forward looking, fiercely competitive, and we have every intention of winning next year's world championship as well."

For now, Dennis will allow Hamilton a little additional time to bask in the glory of his achievement.

"He deserves everything he has achieved because he has worked hard and made lots of sacrifices on the path to his success," added Dennis.

"Anyone who has supported him, not just myself and his father, but the team, his family, should feel very proud to be a part of what is ultimately his world championship."