New world champion Kimi Raikkonen praised the work of everyone at Ferrari, including team-mate Felipe Massa, as he celebrated his unexpected success.

Raikkonen had begun the Brazilian Grand Prix seven points behind Lewis Hamilton in the championship race but by winning at Interlagos and seeing his British rival finish only seventh, the Finn took the title by a single point.

Raikkonen, who after the United States Grand Prix in June trailed Hamilton by 26 points, said: "We had some hard times, some reliability problems and we lost quite a lot of points.

"People were saying we weren't in the championship any more, but we showed them we were wrong, and we came back strongly in the end.

"That's down to great team work from a lot of people - including Felipe - so it's been a great season."

Raikkonen started third on the grid but soon moved ahead of Massa and Hamilton, who had a disastrous start and was eighth by the end of the first lap.

Raikkonen added: "I got a good start and was side by side with Felipe. But the main thing was not to race with him, but get past Hamilton.

"I then saw him (Hamilton) go off and I knew maybe we had a chance.

"It was perfect teamwork from the team and it paid off - not only in this race but all season."

Raikkonen, who follows in the footsteps of other Finnish greats Mika Hakkinen and Keke Rosberg, added: "This is such a great feeling.

"A couple of times I've come close, but it never really happened, and this year it looked like it was going to be another of those years.

"I know what it's like to lose out in the last race. I lost by a couple of points a few years ago (2003 to Michael Schumacher) and it's not a nice feeling."

Massa missed out on a second successive victory from pole, but was delighted for Raikkonen and the team.

"I'm happy for the team and for Kimi - one day I hope it will be me,'' remarked Massa.

"We've had problems this year, including with the spy story, but it's been a great team effort, and I'm happy to have helped the team to win the championships.''

Outgoing champion Fernado Alonso, who finished third in the race to also miss out on the title by a single point, was magnanimous in defeat as he said: "Congratulations to Kimi, who did a great championship.''

Reflecting on what has been a difficult season, the 26-year-old added: "There have been ups and downs, better moments and worse moments, and I've had difficulties.

"We tried to work as hard as we could and we arrived into the last race of the season with a chance, but it was not quite enough.

"I've had a fantastic car, a very competitive car, and I've learnt a lot this season.''

Then crucially, perhaps indicating to his future, he concluded: "I've had four victories and I feel comfortable."