Tributes have been paid to an "inspirational" British driver who died after a high-speed crash during a race in America.

Dan Wheldon was involved in a 15-vehicle crash while competing in Sunday's Las Vegas Indy 300, his car flying over another.

The 33-year-old was taken to hospital in a helicopter but died of his injuries.

IndyCar chief executive Randy Bernard told a press conference broadcast on Sky Sports 4: "IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries."

Formula One star Lewis Hamilton led the tributes to Wheldon, and said it was an "extremely sad day". Hamilton said: "Dan was a racer I'd followed throughout my career, as I often followed in his footsteps as we climbed the motorsport ladder in the UK.

"He was an extremely talented driver. As a British guy, who not only went over to the States but who twice won the Indy 500, he was an inspirational guy, and someone that every racing driver looked up to with respect and admiration. This is a tragic loss at such a young age. My heart goes out to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time."

Formula One driver Jenson Button also paid tribute to Wheldon on Twitter. He wrote: "I have so many good memories of racing with Dan in the early Nineties, a true fighter. We've lost a legend in our sport but also a great guy. I can't begin to imagine what his family are going through and my thoughts are with them at this very difficult time."

Wheldon, who twice won the famous Indianapolis 500, had been in line to receive five million dollars had he won the race.

The accident happened on race's 13th lap on the second turn. The impact sent several cars flying through the air and smashing into the outside wall and catch fence. With cars smouldering and debris littering the track, the race was red-flagged as crews worked on fences and removed the damaged cars.

Scot Dario Franchitti - who on Sunday was confirmed as the IndyCar 2011 champion - said there had been warning signs before the crash. "I could see within five laps people were starting to do crazy stuff," Wheldon's former Andretti Green team-mate, who was not involved in the crash, said. Franchetti said he was "numb and speechless", and said of Wheldon: "He was six years old when I first met him. He was this little kid and the next thing you know he was my team-mate. We put so much pressure on ourselves to win races and championships and today it doesn't matter."