LONDON - Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton on Sunday was voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2014.

Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain poses at the First Annual Diamond Ball fundraising event at The Vineyard in Beverly Hills, California December 11, 2014. The event benefits the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF).? [Photo/Agencies]

The 29-year-old Mercedes driver won his second world title this season by taking 11 races. He won 34 percent of the vote, followed by Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy with 20 percent and athlete Jo Pavey third with 16 percent.

"I was sitting there saying Rory's going to have it," said Hamilton. "I thought it had to be someone else."

"I want to say a huge thank you to all the people who called in, I really wasn't expecting it," he added.

Portugal and Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo was voted Overseas Sports Personality of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award went to six-time Olympic gold medal-winner Chris Hoy.