Hamilton: Journey to a third title
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton clinched his third F1 title at the United States GP last Sunday, and is now one of ten British World Champions. He’s the only one to claim back-to-back titles.
Hamilton has also secured the FIA Pole Trophy with 11 poles this season; while he’s three race victories away from the joint-record from Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel for most wins in a single season (13).
"It's the greatest moment of my life. It's just crazy to think I'm now a three-time world champion," said an emotional Hamilton after winning in the United States. "This has been the strongest year I think I’ve ever had. I just can’t believe it; It's difficult to find the words really. I owe it all to my dad and family who supported me all these years and sacrificed so much," Hamilton said afterwards. "It's a very humbling experience, especially to equal Ayrton Senna [on three world titles] - I feel very blessed today."
Hamilton’s had his most dominant year in F1, and is firmly moving into cementing his place in the sport’s history books. But how did he do it? Here’s a quick look back at his path towards title number three in 2015...
Australia, a perfect championship start: 1st (pole position, fastest lap)
Malaysia, 'it’s great that we have a fight': 2nd (pole position)
China, second race win: 1st (pole position, fastest lap)
Bahrain, victory once again: 1st (pole position)
Spain, second place in Mercedes’ one-two: 2nd (fastest lap)
Monaco, 'I’ve lost this race, haven’t I?': 3rd (pole position)
Canada, from straight to finish: 1st (pole position)
Austria, mistake costs the win: 2nd (pole position)
Great Britain, nothing like a win at home: 1st (pole position, fastest lap)
Hungary, 'So sorry guys': 6th (pole position)
Belgium, back to winning ways: 1st (pole position - secures FIA Pole Trophy)
Italy, fiftieth Mercedes race gets victory: 1st (pole position, fastest lap)
Singapore, loss of power means retirement: DNF
Japan, equalling a legend: 1st (fastest lap - equalled Ayrton Senna’s 41 race wins)
Russia, a giant step towards the title: 1st
United States, 'the greatest moment': 1st
