Hamilton and Rosberg draw the crowds at Stars & Cars event

Fans descended in their thousands to see 2014 FIA Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton and his defeated title rival Nico Rosberg as both appeared at Mercedes-Benz's annual Stars & Cars event in Stuttgart, Germany on Saturday.

The pair joined a host of other current and former drivers to celebrate Mercedes' motor racing season - including their record-breaking F1 dominance - in style. A total of 64 classic vehicles, stretching as far back as a Grand Prix car from 1914, took part in demonstration runs on a temporary 1.1-kilometre circuit close to the Mercedes-Benz museum.

Hamilton paid tribute to the 50,000 who turned out for the event, saying: "The reception from the fans here in Stuttgart was absolutely indescribable. I celebrated my first world title with spectators here at Stars & Cars back in 2008, but this year, they have topped even my expectations.

"I never thought in a million years that I would receive such support. Winning this title was the best moment of my life. The team turned in an extraordinary performance, for which I would like to thank all my colleagues in the factories at Brackley, Brixworth and here in Stuttgart. Our progress since last year has been absolutely phenomenal."

Rosberg pledged to come back even stronger in 2015, adding: "2014 has been an incredible year for me. I've been particularly inspired by the huge support from my fans around the world. It gave me extra strength yet again. I'll be back on the offensive next year."

The event marked the end of one of the most successful years in Mercedes-Benz's motorsport history. On top of a record-breaking 16 Grand Prix poles and wins and 11 one-two F1 finishes, they claimed 18 wins from 43 races in DTM and the FIA European Formula Three championship.