Lewis Hamilton was officially crowned the 2015 FIA Formula 1 World Champion on Friday evening in Paris, during the FIA’s annual prize giving gala event.
The Mercedes driver joins iconic names such as Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet and his hero, Ayrton Senna, as a three-time champion.
His achievements in 2015 put him third in the all-time list of wins and pole positions and during the season he matched the record for the most podium finishes, with the Briton failing to make the top three just twice.
Accepting the champions trophy for a third time, Hamilton described it as a “dream”.
“It’s pretty much impossible to put into words what it means to be a three-time world champion,” he said.
“It is a dream, it’s an incredible feeling and I’m very proud of my family for everything they did to get me here today.
“I remember how hard my Dad and my Mum worked to make sacrifices for me. It’s been a long, long journey – I’ve been racing for 22 years.
“This year, winning the race in Austin and sealing the championship there was one of the most special races – there’s a huge sense of pride in what I have achieved.”
