Jenson Button has admitted that he was relieved to cross the line first in a dramatic final race of the season.

The McLaren driver managed to prevail in an action-packed Brazilian Grand Prix after Lewis Hamilton was forced to retire following a clash with Nico Hulkenburg.

Button ended the race behind the safety car and believes that the treacherous conditions made the win sweeter.

He told BBC Sport: "I'm feeling great. But congratulations need to go to everyone who took part in that race, it was crazy.

"It wasn't just about driving the car around, it just felt wrong out there but I had a lot of fun. It's a pity Lewis wasn't there at the end though.

"It started to clear up and the pace lifted and then the rain came down and it was just about nursing the car until the end. I'm glad in a way the safety car came out."

Sebastian Vettel recovered from a bad start to finish sixth and claim his third consecutive drivers' championship, three points ahead of Fernando Alonso.