Hamilton wins fourth F1 world title

Lewis Hamilton won his fourth career Formula One season championship on Sunday with a ninth-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix in a race won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

Hamilton had to overcome first-lap chaos when his Mercedes was bumped by title rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. Hamilton got a tire puncture and Vettel had wing damage. Both had to stop immediately for repairs.

That left them in a furious bid to catch up as Verstappen sped away to victory. Vettel finished fourth but had to win or finish second to push the title chase to the last two races in Brazil and Abu Dhabi.

Hamilton’s championship makes him the most decorated British driver in F1 history, passing Sir Jackie Stewart. He is one of only five drivers in F1 history with four or more.

Hamilton held his helmet in his hands as he crossed the finish line, then took a lap around the track while waving the British Union Jack.

Vettel didn’t make any of it easy, in more ways than one.

A wild start saw Verstappen bump the Ferrari while fighting through the first turn at the end of the track’s long straight. Verstappen got the edge and got out when Hamilton made a move to get past Vettel, who drifted left. The Ferrari’s left front wing clipped Hamilton’s right rear tire, damaging both cars and forcing their drivers to pit for repairs.

The finish allowed Hamilton to celebrate championships in four cities, with Mexica City joining Sao Paolo, Brazil, in 2008, Abu Dhabi in 2014 and Austin, Texas, in 2015.

Hamilton’s Mercedes car has dominated the era of turbo-hybrid engines adopted in 2014. Of Hamilton’s 62 career victories, 40 have come over the last four years, a span of 77 races.