Mercedes ‘an incredible unit’

HAMILTON: THIS WAS A REALLY TOUGH RACE FOR US

Team boss Toto Wolff says it was a bitter-sweet day.

Mexico City

Lewis Hamilton paid tribute to the “amazing support” of his team and family after securing his fifth drivers’ title Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. The 33-year-old Briton said Mercedes had been “an incredible unit” and pledged to carry on fighting for more race wins.

Ironically, as he admitted, the day of his greatest title triumph came with one of his worst races of the year as he came home fourth behind triumphant Dutchman Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

“I don’t know if it will ever kick in,” said Hamilton. “We have just had a difficult afternoon and it was tough. I didn’t know if we would get the car home.

“It has been the toughest year physically, mentally and personally with everything I’m committed to, but I have amazing support.

“Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit and worked to raise the bar. In my mind it is just another day of fighting and I have more races to win, it is not over.

“In my mind I have to work, go to the debrief and try to win in Brazil.

“This was a really tough race, I came to the last lap and I was like ‘please hold it together and not make any mistakes’.

“I have to enjoy this one, you never know what is around the corner.

“I’m never going to stand here now as a five-time world champion again. You have to set your sights and goals high, but you have to treasure every moment.”

As Hamilton was swamped by the news media in the aftermath of the race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, his team boss Toto Wolff admitted it was a bitter-sweet afternoon.

“It’s a fantastic title number and I’m so happy for Lewis and the team, but it’s bittersweet – we have had a very bad race and we need to understand it.

“But we should be happy when it comes to the championship.”

Ferrari team chief Maurizio Arrivabene also promised a continuing scrap for the teams’ title.

“First of all, congratulations to Lewis Hamilton,” he said. “Next year we hope to do better and we have to do better.” –

Picture: AFP STILL THE BEST. Britain’s Lewis Hamilton celebrates after claiming his fifth Formula 1 world title when he finished fourth at the Mexican Grand Prix at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Sunday.