By Dave James

Paris, France - Lewis Hamilton aims to become the youngest Formula One world champion in history on Sunday fittingly at a Sao Paulo circuit where Ayrton Senna is still worshipped as a national hero.

The McLaren driver goes into the final grand prix of the season knowing that a top five finish will guarantee him the title regardless of whatever result his only rival Felipe Massa can conjure in front of his Brazilian fans.

Victory would make Hamilton the ninth British driver to celebrate a world championship, 50 years after the first, the colourful and controversial Mike Hawthorn.

A year ago, McLaren driver Hamilton threw away a 12-point lead in the last two races and lost the title in his rookie year to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen by a heartbreaking single point at the same, creaking Interlagos track.

"Last year, I went to Interlagos with the title battle still up in the air and all my emotions just bubbling up and down. It was a very emotional time because I knew it would end with either great success or huge disappointment," said the 23-year-old.

"In 2007, things didn't end up too well for me - but I still had a great first year."

Hamilton is also aware of the symbolism of winning a title in Senna's backyard.

"Ayrton has always been my favourite driver. I think he's the best driver there ever was and, still, to this day, I don't believe anyone would beat him. If I could achieve just a small part of what he achieved, it would be a dream for me," he said.

Hamilton has created controversy in the paddock in 2008 with many rivals, including Raikkonen as well as bitter former teammate Fernando Alonso, vocal in their criticism of his driving style.

But he insists he will go into Sunday's race with the same determination he has shown throughout his young career.

"My aim for Brazil is slightly different from the other Grand Prix. I don't need to win the race, but that won't stop me from going into the weekend looking to be as strong as possible," he said.

"Shanghai (where he won comfortably from pole) was a good example of that. We hit the ground running on Friday morning and never looked back.

"Our aim wasn't to push too hard, but we found ourselves in a position at the front and took it comfortably from there. That's what I am hoping to achieve in Brazil - a straightforward weekend that allows me to just focus on my car and my driving."

Massa, who won at Interlagos in 2006, said he will feel no pressure from home fans as he attempts to become the first Brazilian world champion since Senna's third and last title in 1991.

"The pressure from the fans only helps. It's always better to have it," said the 27-year-old ahead of the race in his home city.

"I've always liked racing at home. You can absorb everything positive from the fans and that helps you do your best."