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London - Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award on Sunday, beating golf star Rory McIlroy into second place.
Hamilton won a second world title this year taking the crown ahead of Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in the final race.
McIlroy had been the favourite to take the BBC award, now in its 61st year, after a season which saw him clinch two majors, the British Open and PGA Championship.
British athlete Jo Pavey was third in the public vote.
"I could not have done this without my amazing team, my family, my dad who once had four jobs to help me, my brother. I've been incredibly inspired by them," said Hamilton.
"Thank you to all the fans. I always say we win and lose together because I feel your love. I feel so proud to carry the Union flag and hope I will continue to make you proud."
Not everybody in the sports world was pleased by the result.
"Absolutely ridiculous that @McIlroyRory has not won Sports Personality
2014. Huge respect to @LewisHamilton but come on," tweeted Ryder Cup
winning golfer Ian Poulter.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo won the BBC's 2014 Overseas Sports Personality award.
The 29-year-old former Manchester United star was named world player of the year 11 months ago.
He won the award ahead of tennis player Serena Williams, boxer Floyd Mayweather and MotoGP rider Marc Marquez.
