Hamilton races into history books
Mercedes driver most decorated Brit after winning fourth career championship
MEXICO CITY— Lewis Hamilton grabbed the British Union Jack for a “victory” lap, and then draped it over his shoulders. There was no way he was going to let it go.
Hamilton won his fourth career Formula One championship Sunday with a ninth-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix, a rare finish away from the podium but one good enough to win a title that makes him the most decorated British driver in history.
“It’s been a long journey,” said Hamilton, who won his first championship in 2008. “This week I’ve been reminiscent of where I came from, dreaming of being in Formula One.”
None of it came easy Sunday in a race where he had to overcome a first-lap tire puncture and scramble to finish off title rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. It was a bump from Vettel shortly after the start that made an expected title more stressful than anyone at Mercedes expected.
The ninth-place finish was Hamilton’s worst of the season, but it also closed out Vettel with two races left.
“Not the race you wanted, but who cares?” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff radioed Hamilton after the race. Not Hamilton. He passed Sir Jackie Stewart for the most championships won by a British driver.
Formula One’s first and only black driver also joined Vettel and Alain Prost as four-time winners. Only Argentina’s Juan Miguel Fangio (five) and Germany’s Michael Schumacher (seven) have won more.
Hamilton also passed his idol, Brazil’s Aryton Senna, who won three titles before he was killed in a crash and is still considered one of the most skilled drivers in F1history.
“It’s crazy to think I continue to put the Hamilton stamp, the Hamilton name, in the history books. Beyond my time there will be kids that read my name,” Hamilton said.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen got the win in Mexico for his third career victory and second this season. Canada’s Lance Stroll, a Montreal native who turned 19-years-old on Sunday, finished the race sixth.
Vettel made it an adventure for everyone.
The German started in pole position and the beginning was a furious sprint through the long straight at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Verstappen got the edge through the first turn and Hamilton made a move to get past Vettel, who drifted left. Vettel’s left front wing clipped Hamilton’s right rear tire, damaging both cars and forcing both drivers to the pits for repairs.
“I knew the car was good. I didn’t know it would be that good,” Verstappen said.
“Throughout the race, I was thinking don’t give up,” Hamilton said.
After their cars crossed the finish line, Vettel drove alongside Hamilton and applauded. Hamilton seemed momentarily overwhelmed, placing his helmet in his hands.
“He’s done a superb job all year round and deserves to win the title. So congratulations to him. It’s not about anyone else today, it’s about him. It’s his day,” Vettel said.