Lewis Hamilton says he's "very grateful" to have received so many messages of congratulations, particularly those from Fernando Alonso and Ron Dennis.
Hamilton clinched his sixth Formula 1 title last time out in the United States, putting him one clear of Juan Manuel Fangio and one behind Michael Schumacher's record of seven.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, Hamilton revealed that former McLaren team-mate and two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso sent him a message.
"I got a text from Fernando, which was pretty amazing," said the Briton. "I was really grateful for that.
"We have been through a whirlwind of experiences together over the years and, in all honestly, I have always had respect for what he has achieved and his ability, and also seeing his growth through his period of time at McLaren."
Another person who was key in Hamilton's success is former McLaren boss Ron Dennis, who financially supported Hamilton during the later stages of his junior career before he secured a seat with McLaren in 2007.
The 34-year-old said it was a message that really "touched" him given their relationship.
"I am so grateful for all the people I know who have sent me a text to congratulate me, but it is a lot to reply to. There are like 400 messages so it was a lot.
"But seeing Ron’s text it really touched me inside," he added. "I met him when I was 10 years old, and he saw something in me that no one else did except for my dad, and gave me an opportunity to showcase my abilities and to learn and to grow and without him.
"I most likely wouldn’t have made it to F1, I would have fallen away due to lack of finance. I would have been leap frogged by a bunch of individuals who had more money to back them, so I am forever grateful to Ron and always have love for Ron.
"I hope he feels some sort of pride and he said how proud he was…so I hope that he can share and feel that he is just as much a part of this as anyone."
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