Written by Staff Writer
Fernando Alonso Credit: Kate Holt/Golf Digest
British racing driver Lewis Hamilton has claimed his fifth Formula One World Championship title after winning Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo.
The Mercedes driver was in the lead going into the final race of the season, after securing second place in Singapore in September. Hamilton was leading going into the final lap, but was forced to pit for a new Mercedes engine.
The 33-year-old clocked a best time of one minute, 24.090 seconds to finish the race ahead of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.
After picking up the F1 trophy, Hamilton revealed that he’ll spend some time in Mexico celebrating the world champion title and get ready for his home race in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton retains Mercedes championship
In what has been a procession to victory this season, after securing his first, second and third titles with McLaren-Honda, Hamilton now has the record of three world titles with the same team.
Fernando Alonso took second in the championship. Credit: Kate Holt/Golf Digest
His fifth world title puts him second on the all-time list, behind German former Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher, who retired from the sport in 2006.
Vettel crossed the line in third, 12.055 seconds behind Hamilton, before securing a 16-point cushion over Alonso in third.
Tyre problems
It was a disappointing finish for Vettel, who will take the title based on a 100 point-advantage after his teammate took second place.
The German car manufacturer celebrated a new record for the most consecutive championship wins.
Hamilton, who will be a seven-time F1 champion if he wins in Abu Dhabi, believes he’s “just begun.”