Up there with Senna: ‘Superman’ Lewis Hamilton clinches third world title at Formula One US Grand Prix
Newly crowned three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton basked in the glory of emulating childhood hero Ayrton Senna on Sunday, describing his United States Grand Prix triumph as his “greatest moment”.
As his Mercedes team celebrated all around him, soaking him in champagne, the 30-year-old Briton reflected on his role-model status and his hopes and inspirations in the aftermath of an astonishing race and achievement.
This is the greatest moment of my life
He was choking back the tears after crossing the line 2.8 seconds ahead of German teammate Nico Rosberg who had led before a late mistake.
The first British driver to win back-to-back titles, Hamilton realised a lifelong ambition to equal the tally of his boyhood idol, the Brazilian triple champion who died in 1994.
Ferrari’s four-time champion Sebastian Vettel finished third, after starting 13th and fighting back to chase Rosberg nose-to-tail over the final lap with the crowd on the edge of their seats on a cold and blustery afternoon after morning rain.
“This is the greatest moment of my life,” Hamilton told his team in the emotional moments after he crossed the line to add the 2015 title to those of 2008 and 2014.
