Hamilton: "A horrible way to win title"posted in F129 | 10 | 2017

LEWIS HAMILTON ADMITTED clinching his fourth title by bringing his Mercedes home ninth in the Mexican Grand Prix was a "horrible way to do it". (Related: Verstappen wins Mexico GP as Hamilton takes title)

The newly-crowned world champ was forced to battle back through the field from last place at the end of the opening lap after having to pit with a puncture after contact with the Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel at Turn 1.

The Brit eventually crossed the line ninth, a lap down on race winner Max Verstappen and five places behind Vettel.

"It was a horrible way to do it, to be honest," Hamilton said. "But what can I do? I told you I wasn't going to go easy at Turn 1.

"And I don't think I was too aggressive or anything like that, I placed my car in the perfect position. I'm looking forward to seeing the replay, but I left a lot of space for the car behind.

"I kept going, I kept going back, and... I really want to say a big thank you to all the guys back at Brixworth and Brackley. Guys, thank you so much for all your hard work.

"Winning the constructors' championship was already a huge feat, and helping me achieve this incredible accomplishment, I'm so grateful."

Hamilton admitted the nature of the circuit made it extra hard for him to try to recover after having dropped to the back.

"I had no idea what was going to happen with the championship, to be honest, I was just thinking about getting further up and getting involved in the race," the four-time world champ continued.

"And this is such a difficult track, if not the worst track, to follow. So trying to get past people was a disaster. But yeah, to be honest the feelings are so mixed right now."

And Hamilton said the reality of his achievement would take some time to sink in.

“To be honest, this fourth world title is not even registering right now,” he said. “There is all this energy from the people around you, but it takes a while for it to really sink in.

“I am incredibly grateful when I think about everything that was going on this year and everything that had to be in place to produce this result.

“I didn’t do this on my own, there are over a thousand people back in Brackley and Brixworth who have created this beast that has given me the opportunity to exploit my abilities. I have received such great support from around the world, and I want to thank all of you that believed in me.

I carry ‘Still I Rise’ on the back of my helmet – it means when you get knocked down, you get back up again and keep pushing as hard as you can. I never gave up, and I kept pushing. Four is a great number – but I want number five now!”

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Jim McGill