There may still be three races left of the 2015 Formula 1 season but that didn’t stop the might of Lewis Hamilton this weekend in Texas.
Going into the Grand Prix all the Brit had to do to claim the title was earn himself two more points than Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg and nine more than nearest rival in the championship Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel.
CONGRATS MY BROTHER @LewisHamilton WORLD CHAMP pic.twitter.com/hO27obmwaS
— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) October 26, 2015
Things were looking a little bleak as torrential rain cancelled most of the practice sessions and postponed qualifying until Sunday morning. The drama didn’t end there as Q3 was then cancelled, leaving Rosberg in pole position to start the race.
There was plenty to see in Austin, the track providing some of the best action of the season. From overtakes and spinning to battles and crashes there were a total of eight retirements and numerous race leaders with a handful of safety cars sprinkled in too.
Good morning from a buzzing Brackley! Cracking atmosphere again… what a race we were treated to and what a Champion! pic.twitter.com/kh4ciXyPxh
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) October 26, 2015
With only ten laps to go it looked like Hamilton would have to wait for Mexico to attempt to secure the title as he followed Rosberg in second position. But a mistake from the German left the door wide open for Hamilton to jump ahead and there was nothing else to be done.
As the race came to a close Vettel was gaining on Rosberg and if the four time world champion could move into second then the championship would still be on. But Vettel couldn’t make the pass and Hamilton was once again crowned world champion.
Guys. 3x. Wow!!!! Thank you all so much. Your support means the world. #WonMoreTime #WeDidIt #TeamLH #WorldChampion pic.twitter.com/sSPJza1DzI
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) October 25, 2015
He now joins an elite club of drivers who have achieved three titles, including his own personal hero Ayrton Senna. After the event Hamilton said he was ‘humbled’ to be able to achieve the same amount as Senna and former world champion Nigel Mansell has even stated that he believes the 30-year-old could match Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles. Hamilton added:
“For me the target was always to get the three Ayrton had. I don’t know what’s coming next. There is no-one else I want to equal or emulate…as a driver you want to win everything you compete in, to perform at your best and hopefully better than everyone else. When you win a title that signifies I guess your greatness and the people around you.”
Hamilton is now the only Briton to have defended a title and also the first driver to win ten or more races in consecutive seasons. It seems that the accolades just keep on coming for Hamilton who has been totally unstoppable out on track for the past two years.
Hamilton joins an elite group of drivers to have won 3 or more world championships https://t.co/as3TeYESWA #bbcf1 pic.twitter.com/9ClNY14gEi
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 25, 2015
Formula 1 returns to Mexico for the first time since 1992 this weekend and with none of the current drivers having raced at the track it will be interesting to see which teams and drivers come out on top. And if Mercedes can’t win there this time round then it won’t be too disheartening as they’ve successfully wrapped up both titles with ease this year.
What did you think of Austin? Leave your comments below!
