Fernando Alonso is still coming to terms with his status as Formula One's youngest world champion.
The 24-year-old secured the crown with two races left to run by finishing third in the Brazilian Grand Prix, prompting ecstatic celebrations with his Renault team.
But Alonso concedes the magnitude of his achievement is yet to sink in.
He said: "I still find it hard to believe that it is true, that it has actually happened. I can't really feel anything at the moment but I think it will come slowly.
"I have achieved my dream, the thing I have been fighting for since I was three years old. This is the maximum in my life, but I have not had time to think about it yet.
"Slowly, moments from my career will come back to me. I am sure it will happen in the next few days."
Alonso's triumph sparked joyous scenes half a world away from Interlagos, with thousands of fans celebrating in his home town of Oviedo.
He has become a national superstar since becoming the first Spaniard to win a grand prix in 2003 and he has promised to give his fans more to cheer in the years to come.
He added: "I was told that 50,000 people celebrated my win. They were dancing in the fountain in the city centre, and even in Madrid as well. I am very proud of that and want to say a big thank you to all of them.
"I have missed a lot of things in life, made a lot of sacrifices and worked very hard. The people and their celebration are the reward for that.
"I like being a showman too - I drive so that people can enjoy watching the races and I haven't finished yet."
More than ten million television viewers in Spain tuned in to watch Alonso on Sunday.
The race attracted the largest audience in Spain for a grand prix and was the year's most viewed sporting event, eclipsing traditional draws such as Real Madrid-Barcelona league matches and games involving the Spanish national soccer team.
According to television surveys, 10.4 million people, equating to a 74.3% share of viewers, were watching when Alonso crossed the line at Interlagos.
Overall, 13 million viewers tuned in to watch the race.
