Hamilton: Meeting Mandela like meeting God.

Lewis Hamilton has admitted to being lost for words for the first time in his life when he met Nelson Mandela last week, saying afterwards that he had felt like he was in the presence of God.

The McLaren-Mercedes star was one of a number of celebrities invited on-stage during the special concert held in London's Hyde Park to celebrate the 90th birthday of the former South African president, who spent 27 years imprisoned whilst he led his country's battle against apartheid.

Hamilton - who has triumphed in Melbourne and Monaco this year - has come in for much criticism recently for his off-track activities, from partying to dating pop stars, as his world championship lead has slipped away [see separate story - click here].

"Nelson has meant the world to me," The Sun quotes the 23-year-old Briton as having enthused after the concert. "When I met him it was like walking in to see the king - to be in front of God.

"He was the guy I wanted to meet, so I just couldn't believe it when I was invited to his celebrations. I was just so honoured; I was blown away; I was left speechless. I've never been speechless before.

"When I read about Nelson for the first time I was kind of 'wow'. When I got older I began to really appreciate just what an incredible nine decades he has had. He has self-belief. He wasn't afraid to suffer to achieve his dream.

"It was one of the best nights of my life. I was supposed to leave early because I was testing at Silverstone the next day, but I couldn't. I was one of the last to leave."

Hamilton has previously claimed that God was with him during his victory around the winding streets of Monte Carlo earlier this year [see separate story - click here].