Hamilton claims 4th world title as Verstappen wins in Mexico

LEWIS HAMILTON clinched his fourth drivers’ world championship in unexpected but dramatic fashion yesterday when, after a first lap collision with title rival Sebastian Vettel, he finished ninth in the Mexican Grand Prix.

The 32-year-old Briton, who would have needed to finish in the top five to be sure of the title if Vettel had won the race, battled from last position in his Mercedes after suffering a puncture that needed an opening lap pit-stop as Dutchman Max Verstappen won the race for Red Bull.

Vettel, already a four-time champion, came home fourth for Ferrari after driving through the field from 19th following his part in the early crash with Hamilton. He also pitted for a new front wing.

Hamilton’s title triumph made him the first Briton to be a fourtime champion, elevating him clear of Jackie Stewart, and alongside Vettel and Frenchman Alain Prost.

“I don’t know what happened at turn three, I gave him plenty of room,” said Hamilton.

“Did he hit me deliberately?” asked Hamilton. “Not sure, Lewis,” came the reply on the team radio.

“It doesn’t feel real man. It’s not the race you want when you’re 40 seconds down, but I never gave up.”

After five wins in the previous six races, it was a disappointing way for Hamilton – who said he wanted to win the title in style – to win the crown.

Verstappen won the race convincingly ahead of Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas and his Finnish compatriot Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari.

“I’d like to say a big thanks to everybody in this Mercedes team,” said Hamilton.

“What you’ve done the past couple of years is incredible. I’m so grateful.”

Vettel finished fourth ahead of Frenchman Esteban Ocon of Force India, Williams’ Canadian rookie Lance Stroll on his 19th birthday, and local Mexican hero Sergio Perez in the second Force India.

Verstappen led from the first lap once Hamilton and Vettel had clashed.

“The start was very crucial, I went around the outside and from then on I was just looking after the car and the tyres,” said the Dutchman after a third race win.

“Big thanks to Red Bull, without them it was not possible... it was a perfect race.”

Mercedes’ non-executive director Niki Lauda, a three-time world champion, hailed Hamilton’s achievement.

“Lewis won it, he deserves it,” said Lauda who said Vettel was at fault for the opening lap collision.

“I don’t know why Sebastian drove so aggressively to destroy his race. Lewis was in front and Vettel hit him with his front wing, I just don’t understand it.”

As a result of that collision, Hamilton’s hopes of taking the title with a win were severely deflated, but not those of being champion – Vettel needing to win, or finish second, to keep his challenge alive.

Knowing Vettel was unlikely to climb to second, Hamilton knew he would be champion, but he fought hard to score points and took ninth place in the closing laps. – AFP