How Hamilton sealed his fourth title

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He has the natural ability of Ayrton Senna and is now the most successful British driver, but how long before Lewis Hamilton's beats Michael Schumacher's record of seven world titles?

We look at what the future could hold for Hamilton, which you can read here in our in-depth feature.

You also have the chance to vote for who you believe is the the most talented driver of the so called greats?

Lewis Hamilton has just posted a message on Instagram.

He says: "As a kid, I always dreamt of being in Formula 1. I never lost sight of that dream, even when people said it would be impossible.

"I stand here now with four World Championships and I am proof that if you follow your dreams with everything you have, they can come true. I am so grateful to all 1,500 people in my team who all have a dream of making the best F1 car and tirelessly make that dream a reality.

"My fans, #TeamLH, I would not be here without you. You've carried me through adversity and shared my joy in moments such as these. Truly, thank you. We are all rising together and I am so excited for what our future brings together. "

Lewis HamiltonCopyright: Lewis Hamilton

And these are the men who have won the world title the most times.

Lewis Hamilton is now tied third in the all-time list.

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Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton clinched his fourth world title at the Mexican Grand Prix despite finishing only ninth after a clash with rival Sebastian Vettel.

Hamilton's fourth world title makes him unquestionably the most successful British Formula 1 driver in history, moving him one championship clear of Sir Jackie Stewart.

He joins Vettel and Frenchman Alain Prost on four world titles, behind only Michael Schumacher, the all-time record holder on seven, and Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio's five.

Hamilton put his hands to his helmet as he crossed the line, slowing the car down to a crawl as he sought to take in his achievement on the slowing down lap.

Vettel pulled alongside him and applauded as the crowd rose to their feet to recognise a historic landmark for the sport.

The Mercedes driver suffered a puncture when he was hit by the German's Ferrari on the first lap, the incident also breaking Vettel's front wing.

Vettel made better progress back through the field than Hamilton, climbing up to fourth place, but he needed to finish second to keep the championship alive.

The race was won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who dominated from the front after taking the lead at the first corner, a move that led to the collision between Hamilton and Vettel.

Sam Godfrey: Very well deserved for Lewis but must say Seb had been very classy in defeat. He's learned a lot this year.

Nikky ab: Well done Lewis...today's race was filled with fun courtesy of some aggressive overtakes....Love F1. Well done champ

1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 333 pts
2. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 277 pts
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 262 pts
4. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) 192 pts
5. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) 178 pts
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 148 pts
7. Sergio Perez (Force India) 92 pts
8. Esteban Ocon (Force India) 83 pts
9. Carlos Sainz (Renault) 54 pts
10. Lance Stroll (Williams) 40 pts

We have two races of the season left, the Brazilian Grand Prix (10-12 November) and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (24-26 November).

"P6 on my birthday is a great present," says 19-year-old Lance Stroll.

"It is one of those days we have to embrace and enjoy. It is what we can ask for with this car and there is a lot of positivity going forward.

"We're going to celebrate my birthday and this result tonight."

Force India's Sergio Perez, who took seventh in his home race, paid tribute to Lewis Hamilton.

He told Sky Sports: "Lewis is a legend, a great ambassador for the sport. He is the best driver and I'm happy for him because he deserves all the success."

Sebastian Vettel has just given an interview to Sky Sports, an interview that was interrupted by a warm embrace between him and Lewis Hamilton.

"It is disappointing but not that important," Vettel said on conceding the title today.

"Lewis has done a superb job all year and deserves to win the title. Congratulations to him. It is his day."

Asked if Hamilton is now on a par with him as a driver after equaling his tally for four titles, Vettel said: "If you can count then yes. I don't fear him. I like racing with him. I would have liked little more this year. Overall they were better."

And asked if he has any regrets about the season, the German said: "What does it matter now?"

It was a great day for Max Verstappen, but not his team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.

He was fastest in the second practice session on Friday, but was the first retirement today because of a problem with his Red Bull car.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Ricciardo said: I am obviously frustrated. The first laps were good. We were up inside the top eight. I could hear the turbo started to sound funny and then had no power left.

"It is a shame. We put the new one in thinking it would be more durable but hopefully it wont affect us in Brazil. It was always going to be tough here this year but why more tough than last year I have no idea. I am hurting inside but what can I do?"

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner speaking to Sky Sports: "Congrats to Lewis. We know how hard it is to have four world titles and the most successful British driver.

On his team's driver Max Verstappen who won the race, Horner added: "We couldn't slow him down! From the start onwards he dominated the grand prix. He controlled the temperatures really well.

"The last four races we have had the best car on the Sunday. That is testimony to all of the guys in Milton Keynes who put in the long hours.

"It is a great way to be finishing the season. I would prefer to have had two cars finishing but it is a great day for Max."

Last year's world champion Nico Rosberg has posted a classy congratulations message to Lewis Hamilton and his former team Mercedes.

You can watch the video below (BBC Sport app users may need to click on the link to see the video).

More from Lewis Hamilton, speaking to Sky Sports: "It was a horrible way to do it (win the world title) but what can I do? I said I wasn't going to take it easy at turn one.

"I placed the car in the perfect position and left a lot of space for the car behind. I kept coming back. I want to say a big thank you to everyone back at Brixworth and Brackley.

"Being 40 seconds behind is like being in no man's land. I was just thinking about catching. The feelings are so mixed right now."

Asked how many more world titles he is targeting, Hamilton said: "I just feel like take one at a time. I am really happy with this fourth title. I have to take time to think. I am proud of the flag and everyone who represents it. I will continue to raise it as high as I can."

EPACopyright: EPA

One of the most random things happened straight after Lewis Hamilton sealed his fourth world title, and that was him being played a pre-recorded message from Brazil and Paris St-Germain forward Neymar, who sent his congratulations to the Briton.

You can listen again to what happened here.

Join BBC Radio 5 live's Jack Nicholls right now for reaction to Lewis Hamilton winning the world title, via the BBC Sport's Facebook page.

Listen along as former British world champions Jenson Button and Sir Jackie Stewart praise record-breaker Lewis Hamilton after he wins his historic fourth title in Mexico City at the Mexican Grand Prix.