Lewis Hamilton wins fourth World championship, makes grand entry into F1's elite club

Lewis Hamilton claimed his fourth Formula One world title on Sunday and joined the elite club of the sports. (Photo: AP) 

His ninth-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix lifted him into the company of the sport’s true greats as he joined his nearest contemporary rival Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost as a four-time champion. IN PIC: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, waves to the crowd as he rides on a classic Mercedes car before the Formula One Mexico Grand Prix auto race at the Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack in Mexico City. (Photo: AP)

Lewis Hamilton had punctured one tyre in an opening-lap scrap with Sebastian Vettel, his only championship rival giving him a bad start to the Formula One Mexico Grand Prix auto race. (Photo: AP)

Sebastian Vettel too had to enter the pits after his car touched with Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes during the race. (Photo: AP)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates on the podium after winning the Formula One Mexico Grand Prix auto race. (Photo: AP)

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff summed Hamilton up as: “He is never satisfied. He never settles. He is never happy with where he is as a racing driver and a human being. He wants to optimise, to develop and he is very much part of the leadership of the team.” (Photo: AP)

Not since Brazil 2013 had Hamilton taken the chequered flag in so lowly a spot as ninth. But it was the best feeling of coming ninth he could possibly have wished for. IN PIC:Lewis Hamilton, of Britain, is sprayed with champagne by members of his team as they celebrate at the pit lane. (Photo: AP)

The F-1 driver is seen celebrating with his mother Carmen Larbalestier. (Photo: AP)

In addition to the winning tittle, his team Mercedes won the fourth consecutive title of 'The Constructor'. (Photo: AP)

Unquestionably, Hamilton's achievement makes him the most successful British Formula 1 driver in history, moving him one championship clear of Sir Jackie Stewart.(Photo: AP)