While Fernando Alonso could be excused for questioning McLaren's decision to appeal apparent fuel irregularities among its opposition in the Brazilian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has also spoken out against the push for the results to be amended.

The Briton told the BBC that he would rather have won the title on the track at Interlagos rather than be handed it in a courtroom several weeks after the final round. His McLaren team has pressed ahead with an appeal against the decision not to penalise Williams and BMW Sauber for allegedly running 'cool' fuel - which could have provided three of the cars ahead of Hamilton with extra power - in the hope that the Briton will move up the order and so gain the extra points that would guarantee the title.

It's not a guaranteed championship though, even if the appeal is successful, since according to the International Sporting Code, it is at the stewards discretion that cars behind those disqualified are moved up the order.

Kimi Raikkonen came from the position of rank outsider to claim the title by a single point after winning in Brazil, while Alonso and Hamilton finished third and seventh respectively. Williams' Nico Rosberg and BMW Sauber duo Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld finished between the two McLarens, but Hamilton is not sure he wants them to be thrown out of the result - even if it gives him the honour of being the first rookie to take the world title.

"To have the world title taken away is a bit cruel - and probably not good for the sport," he told the BBC's Radio 5 Live station, "It would feel weird after Kimi did such a fantastic job in the last two races and won on Sunday.

"I want to win it on the track. You want to do it in style, you want to win the race or be battling it out for the lead. Being promoted after other people have been thrown out is not the way I want to do it."

Raikkonen ended the year as the most successful driver in terms of race wins - taking six to the four apiece of the warring Hamilton and Alonso - but had to come from behind after one or other of the McLaren drivers led the championship from round two of the season.

"I'm only 22 and there are going to be plenty more opportunities for me to win the world championship - I have no doubt that we can do that in the future," a phlegmatic Hamilton concluded, "It has been a phenomenal year and it has been a real pleasure to be part of the team. I'm extremely proud of them and of my family and everyone that's supported me to get me where I am."