Lewis Hamilton has won his 5th formula 1 world title, after the Mexican Grand Prix where he finished 4th behind Vettel who came 2nd, after a superb show from Max Verstappen to win the Mexican GP.
This means Lewis Hamilton is just the third driver in history of Formula 1 to win five or more Drivers’ Championships after Juan Manuel Fangio, the 1950s great, and Michael Schumacher who has the most wins of (7 world titles)
Driver Number of championships
Michael Schumacher: 7 world titles
Juan Manuel Fangio: 5 world titles
Lewis Hamilton: 5 world titles
Alain Prost: 4 world titles
Sebastian Vettel: 4 world titles
Lewis Hamilton while speaking on his historic achievement, said:
“It’s a very strange feeling right now. It wasn’t won here, it was won through a lot of hard work through many races,”
“I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13 so to complete this – Fangio had done it with Mercedes – it’s an incredible feeling and very surreal at the moment.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said:
“Usually, we don’t acknowledge greatness until someone’s career is over, but we need to take a moment to recognise its presence – Lewis has now equalled Fangio’s record and there aren’t many like him out there!”
Lewis Hamilton speaking further said:
“I just feel very humbled by the whole experience. It’s hard to realise it at the moment, it’s something that I dreamed of – but never in a million years did I think I would be standing here today as a five-time world champion. I never knew that was going to happen.
“It’s definitely my best year. And that’s the goal. When I won the championship last year, I was like, ‘how am I going to improve? How can I be fitter? How can I be more focused? How can I be a better all-round driver?’.”
The most successful British driver in the formula 1 history later took to his social media page to thank his fans and Mercedes for the beautiful journey so far. He said:
“Unbelievable, 5 World Championships! This is a moment I will never forget, a moment we reach together. To my parents, I am forever grateful for you supporting their small boy with a big dream. From teaching me to take my first step to racing in my first kart, you’ve enabled me to unlock my full potential. Look where we are now! If there’s one thing they’ve taught me is to always believe in possibilities, no matter what life deals you. There is a path out there to your dreams.
To my Team, thank you for inspiring me everyday with your collective vision and for dreaming the biggest dreams in the sport! I love all of you guys. TeamLH, each voice of yours connects with me in ways you will never know. You are beacons of light and we continue this journey together! #LHFive ????? #StillWeRise #TeamLH#GodIsTheGreatest @MercedesAMGF1 ? @motorsport.images
12 seasons
227 starts
71 wins
81 poles
132 podiums
12,828 laps raced