Abu Dhabi: A best-ever ‘rocket’ start propelled Lewis Hamilton to the greatest day of his life as he claimed his second world title with a dominant victory at the season-ending Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.

His voice quivering with emotion, Hamilton told media afterwards that he felt that he was having an ‘out-of-body experience’ as he soaked up his stunning success at Yas Marina Circuit.

Meanwhile, his title rival and Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg was left devastated by prolonged car problems, which meant he could not challenge the Briton as he ended up finishing a miserable 14th.

“This is the greatest day of my life. [My first world title in] 2008 was special but the feeling I have now is way past that. It’s the greatest feeling I have ever had,” said Hamilton on the podium in front of a 60,000 sellout crowd.

The 29-year-old had led from the beginning after making a flying start from second on the grid, immediately passing pole-sitter Rosberg.

“It was like a rocket,” Hamilton said. “Probably the best start I’ve ever had.”

Hamilton’s victory was his 11th of the season and the 33rd of his illustrious career.

It was also a record 16th win of the season for the Mercedes team.

Rosberg finished 14th, lapped by Hamilton and left bitterly disappointed following an electronics failure on his car.

“I’m very disappointed, the chance was there, but it didn’t work out. But in the end, my race didn’t make a difference because Lewis won the race fair and square. He deserved to win today and also to win the championship,” said the German.

Hamilton hailed Rosberg, who was bidding to emulate father Keke, who was world champion in 1982.

“Nico has been a rival for the last two years and stepped up his game this year,” he said.

Hamilton became the fourth British driver to win more than one championship, matching Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark and Graham Hill, the last man to achieve the feat in 1968.

The Englishman finished 2.5 seconds clear of second-placed Felipe Massa of Williams and his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, who was third.