An exuberant Lewis Hamilton struggled to convey his emotions after sealing a sixth Formula 1 world title, and paid tribute to late Mercedes chief Niki Lauda.
Hamilton finished runner-up to Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas at the United States Grand Prix, ensuring he holds an unassailable points advantage with two rounds remaining.
On the achievement of winning six titles Hamilton said: “Right now it’s hard to understand what I’m feeling right now. Naturally it’s just pure happiness.
“Cloud nine doesn’t even get close to where I am. I’m somewhere far above that and I’m just really grateful to everyone back at the factory, everyone who has supported me this year within the team, who have worked so hard to enable us to do what we do.
“It’s such a privilege and an honour to work for this team and to have the platform to put performances in like that today.
“This has been the hardest year that I can remember.
“It’s really hard for people to appreciate that because people are not with me all of the time and don’t see the ups and downs that go on in an athlete’s mind.
“It’s been so challenging. I would say probably more so the ups and downs outside of the sport have been even more challenging, navigating and working with the family and just creating a great squad.”
Three-time World Champion Lauda was an influential figure within Mercedes’ camp before he passed away earlier this year.
“I miss Niki so much and I know today that he would be taking his cap off,” said Hamilton.
“Yesterday he would have been saying he’s paying me too much but today he would have taken his cap off and I wouldn’t have been able to do this without Niki. He’s here with us in spirit.”
Discussion about this post