Hamilton Wins Fourth F1 Title After Dramatic Mexican GP

Hamilton Wins Fourth F1 Title After Dramatic Mexican GP

Lewis Hamilton won his fourth Formula One world title after a madcap race at the Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday.

Hamilton finished ninth on the night after an early clash with rival Sebastian Vettel, but the German was ultimately undone as he could not conjure up the win to extend the championship to Brazil.

The 32-year-old Brit now joins Vettel and Frenchman Alain Prost on four world titles, behind only Michael Schumacher, the all-time record holder on seven, and Argentine great Juan Manuel Fangio’s five.

He also becomes the most successful British driver of all time — after surpassing Sir Jackie Stewart’s total of three titles.

The Mercedes driver suffered a puncture when he was hit by the German’s Ferrari on the burst to turn one, the incident also breaking Vettel’s front wing as the championship rivals found themselves thrown to the back of the race.

Vettel made better progress back through the field than Hamilton, climbing up to fourth place, but he needed to at least win the race to keep the championship alive.

It proved impossible in the end as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who dominated from the front after taking the lead at the first corner that led to the collision, held on for his second win in four races.

Once assured of his victory, Hamilton put his hands to his helmet as he crossed the line, slowing the car down to a crawl as he sought to take in his achievement on the slowing down lap.

Four-time champion Vettel pulled alongside him and applauded as the crowd rose to their feet to recognise one of the greatest ever drivers and a historic landmark for the sport.

After seven months of high-octane, round-the-globe competition, the party could finally begin.