GODS

Hamilton becomes Britain’s first quadruple world champion (2008, 2014, 2015 and 2017) after moving one clear of Sir Jackie Stewart. LEWIS HAMILTON had vowed to seal his fourth championship – and surpass Sir Jackie Stewart as Britain’s most successful F1 driver – in style.

After qualifying only third, he knew the 800-metre charge to the first corner represented the best chance of writing his name into the record books with his 10th victory of the year.

Pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and Hamilton charged three abreast at 220mph into the left-handed opening turn. Verstappen then made his move around the outside of Vettel at the right-handed second corner before the pair banged wheels.

Vettel then clumsily tapped the back of Verstappen’s Red Bull, before Hamilton sensed his opportunity. He roared around the outside of Vettel at the ensuing turn, and the Ferrari driver – now third – made contact with Hamilton’s right-rear rubber. The German appeared at fault. Hamilton led the inquisition as he asked over the team radio whether it was indeed an act of desperation from his title rival. “Did he hit me deliberately?” Hamilton asked.

“Not sure, Lewis,” came the reply from the Briton’s race engineer.

The stewards looked at the dramatic incident, but took just seven minutes to make up their mind by taking the course of pursuing no further action.

Vettel emerged from the pits 35 seconds adrift of leader Verstappen with Hamilton one minute behind the Red Bull man. He was soon on a charge and almost came unstuck for a third time, when he was forced off the road by Felipe Massa.

But the four-time champion emerged unscathed, and by halfdistance he was into the points, albeit nearly 60 seconds adrift of second-placed Valtteri Bottas.

Despite Vettel reducing the points deficit to 56, with just two races remaining Hamilton heads to Brazil for the year’s penultimate Grand Prix with an unassailable lead.

Hamilton crossed the line ninth with his head in his hands, before holding aloft a Union Flag, as he celebrated his remarkable fourth World Championship.