ONE OF THE GREATS
DOYLE’S HIT ’N MISSUS
® SPEEDWAY by PETER OAKES doesn’t feel real. It is not the kind of race I wanted, 40 seconds behind, but I never gave up.
“That is what is important and in my heart. I am grateful for today.” “Viva Mexico. Wow. “A big thank you to everyone who came out, hopefully we gave them a good race. The Mexican fans are the best around the world and you guys create this atmosphere.
“I had a good start, I don’t know what happened on turn three. I gave him (Sebastian Vettel) plenty of room.
“A big thank you to my family, my team. Mercedes have been incredible for these last five years.”
Hamilton needed only to finish as low as fifth to claim the title if Vettel won or ninth if Vettel was second.
Instead, they were both at the back of the field after an astonishing first lap as the German seemed to lose his head.
Starting on pole, Vettel banged wheels with Verstappen before tagging the back of his car.
And when Hamilton saw his chance, he eased into the lead at turn three, only for Vettel to hit the back of his Mercedes.
Hamilton suffered a right-rear puncture while Vettel damaged his front wing, and both had to limp back to the pits for repairs.
Fuming Hamilton radioed his team, asking: “Did he hit me deliberately?” They replied: “Not sure, Lewis.”
Amazingly, the race stewards took no action after looking at the incident and in the end, it didn’t matter.
Asked how many more world titles he is targeting, Hamilton said: “I just feel like taking it one at a time. I am really happy with this fourth title. I have to take time to think. I am proud of the flag and everyone who represents it. I will continue to raise it as high as I can.”