Lewis Hamilton claims fourth F1 drivers title after chaotic Mexico GP

Lewis Hamilton won the 2017 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship yesterday, despite picking up a puncture on the first lap after colliding with title rival Sebastian Vettel.

It’s the 32-year-old’s fourth title, making him the most successful British Formula 1 driver in history.

Speaking after he clinched top spot in the championship, the Mercedes driver said: “To be honest, this fourth world title is not even registering right now.

“There is all this energy from the people around you, but it takes a while for it to really sink in.

“I feel incredibly grateful when I think about everything that has gone on this year and everything that had to be in place to produce this result.”

The race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico got off to the worst possible start for the two title contenders. Ferrari driver Vettel needed to finish second or higher to have any hope of keeping his championship hopes alive, and after qualifying on pole ahead of young Dutchman Max Verstappen, had put himself in a great position to achieve this.

After the lights went out, Vettel and Verstappen battled into the first and second corners, which opened the door for Hamilton, who had qualified third, to make an overtake into turn three. However, the Brit was clipped by the Ferrari’s front wing, which caused a puncture.

Damage to Hamilton and Vettel’s cars saw the pair drop to the back of the field, with both then having to battle their way to the front. The pressure was on Vettel, and despite a valiant effort he could only get fourth.

That meant that Hamilton, who finished ninth, would take the title with two races still to go.

At the front of the field, Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen clinched victory with a dominating drive, with Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas second and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen third.