Hamilton takes third F1 title after USA thriller

Hamilton needed to beat his closest challenger, Vettel, by nine points and his Mercedes team-mate Rosberg by two, and he did just that -finishing the race 76 points clear of his nearest rival with 75 points still available.

Hamilton began the race with a massive advantage in the point standings, but Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg had a late lead in the race that – if Rosberg won – would have forced Hamilton to wait for the Mexican Grand Prix to celebrate his title. “It’s just insane to think I’m now a three-time world champion”.

Hamilton’s first world title in 2008 came down to the final turn in the final race of the season.

But a new row between Hamilton and Rosberg, who finished second, threatened to cast a shadow over the team’s triumphant season.

“For me it was always to get the three that Ayrton had”, said Hamilton when asked if he had set his sights on emulating Michael Schumacher’s record tally of seven titles. “It’s a very humbling experience…I feel very, very blessed today”, added the 30-year-old British driver.

“But Rosberg ran wide on the damp Circuit of the Americas track on Lap 49 of the 56-lap race, briefly losing control and sliding wide off the track”.

However, Rosberg later added his congratulations to Hamilton. Or I should say Lewis came into me, so that’s not good.

Paying homage to the hardcore F1 fans who had braved the downpours of rain throughout the weekend Hamilton said their support was crucial on his way towards securing his third title. Tiger has done so much for the sport, there is so much more people involved – even myself I am getting into golf now.

“I don’t feel like I was aggressive, but at the end of the day I was on the inside so it was my line”.

Asked to explain the moment where he lost the race and gift-wrapped the championship to Hamilton, he said: “I just got wheelspin”.

Amid various crashes, spins and safety auto periods, Ricciardo nosed his Red Bull past Rosberg on lap 12, then passed Hamilton three laps later to take the lead, set the fastest lap and increased his lead to 10 seconds.