SAO PAULO (AFP) – Lewis Hamilton hailed his Mercedes team as legends on Monday and described his championship-clinching victory in Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix as the best moment in five triumphant seasons.
His dramatic success confirmed Mercedes’ record-equalling fifth consecutive double of drivers’ and teams’ championships.
It was his 10th victory this season, signalling that he has won 60 per cent of the team’s points, the 72nd of his career and his 50th in the 99 races held in the V6 turbo hybrid era since 2014.
“It was an emotional afternoon,’’ he said.
“And, I think, that might be the best moment I’ve had with this team… I’ve never seen the guys so happy.
“We’ve been together a long time and the guys are usually happy, but reserved about it. So I was hoping that when I got back the guys could feel what I was feeling. I saw it and I’ll remember that moment for the rest of my life.’’
The 33-year-old Briton, who plans to celebrate with the team back at their Brackley base on Tuesday, added: “It’s hard to contemplate what’s happened in these last six years. It’s been such an incredible journey and by no means has it been easy for anybody.
“It’s just the greatest team effort that I can remember. It’s really awesome.’’
In a show of emotional gratitude in the garage after Sunday’s victory, he told the race team: “It’s an incredible honour to work with all of you… Seeing you guys after the race, seeing that energy that you guys all had, that happiness can fill a lifetime.
