Lewis Hamilton visited McLaren's headquarters Wednesday to thank the team personnel who helped him become Formula One's youngest champion. The 23-year-old Briton drove around the lake at McLaren's technology center in an F1 car and received a big ovation from many of the 1,000 employees at the site. “I'm shaking like a leaf here,” Hamilton said. “I've never seen you all before in one place. It's pretty awesome for me to be standing here. My heart's still racing. It hasn't really hit home yet.” Hamilton returned to Britain after finishing fifth in the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, taking the season title by one point ahead of race winner Felipe Massa of Ferrari. “We have proved to everyone that we are the best team and we have the best car,” said Hamilton, who is also F1's first black champion. Hamilton shook hands and posed for pictures with employees amid a shower of confetti. His father, Anthony, and pop singer girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger were also on hand. “These trophies are a result of all your hard work and you should pat yourselves on the back,” he said. “I love this team. I'm not going anywhere.”