Lewis Hamilton was left feeling “grateful” to those who work with and support him after securing his fourth Formula 1 championship at the Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday.
The Briton was left having to recover from the back after picking up a puncture following contact with title rival Sebastian Vettel on the opening lap, but with the German also having to pit for a new front wing, it meant the Mercedes driver’s ninth place finish was more than enough to become the most successful British driver in F1 history.
“Honestly, it doesn’t feel real,” Hamilton said, describing his emotions right after the race. “It’s not the kind of race that I want, when you’re 40 seconds behind or something, but I never gave up, and that’s what’s important, what’s in my heart – I kept going right to the end.”
For Mercedes, the result also signalled their second title success in a week and the 32-year-old was keen to highlight the effort those at the German manufacturer have made to maintain their place at the top.
“I’m grateful for today. I just want to lift it up to my family, to God, and thank my team,” he stated. “Mercedes have been incredible for the last five years and I’m so proud to be a part of it.
“Winning the Constructors’ Championship this year was already a huge feat. Helping me achieve this incredible accomplishment, I’m so grateful.
“I’ve tried not to leave any stone unturned, that’s really the philosophy the whole team has had. As a driver, really trying to always raise the bar.
To his legion of supporters around the world, he added: “Big big thank you to all the fans. Thank you for all your continuous support and your messages. You guys inspire me just as much as you sometimes say that I inspire you.
“Keep pushing, whatever you’re going through in your life, don’t ever give up. I hope that I stand as a testament to that. There’s been so many things thrown at me in my life and I keep going and I do that with the support of you guys, so thank you very much Team LH – we win and lose together.”
Looking back on the incident with Vettel, Hamilton, who posed the question if the Ferrari driver had hit his right-rear tyre on purpose over the radio shortly after, insisted he did nothing wrong.
“I had a good start. I don’t really know what happened at Turn 3, but I gave him [Vettel] plenty of room, and then I just tried hard to come back,” he claimed. “I don’t think I was too aggressive or anything like that, I placed my car in the perfect position.”
Now with another title to his name, undoubtedly it will lead to questions as to whether Hamilton could consider ‘doing a Rosberg’ and retiring as champion, but it seems as though he has plenty of motivation to go on and challenge for more.
“I just kind of feel you should take it one at a time,” Lewis said. “I’m really happy with this fourth and I’m going to have to take some time to think about it.
“Just the other day I was reminiscing about growing up in Stevenage and watching TV and dreaming of one day being in Formula 1,” he revealed. “Now here we are, 25 years later, whatever it is, and four-time world champion.
“I’m proud of the flag and everyone who represents it. I hope those who are watching are happy with this year’s result, and I’ll continue to rise it as high as I can.”
