Lewis Hamilton clinched his fourth Formula One driver’s title to become Britain’s most successful driver in the history of the sport and to tie with Sebastian Vettel as joint third most successful driver in F1 history.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won his second race in 2017 but the major highlight of the race was Vettel hitting Hamilton’s car in the rear just on the first lap.

“Did he hit me deliberately?” Hamilton asked over team radio.

Vettel and Hamilton had to pit after the first lap but Hamilton found himself in a very difficult situation as he emerged out of the pit 30 seconds behind the Ferrari. He had to struggle to be in points scoring position and even though he finished in ninth place, Vettel’s inability to win the race ensured the title race ended in New Mexico.

Hamilton’s title win ensures the final two races are as dead rubber as it comes, Vettel would hope though, that he and Ferrari try to end the season on a positive note going into 2017.

With the speed and flexibility of the Ferrari and the organised tactical and administrative know-how of Mercedes, this direct rivalry surely looks like it will be the highlight of 2018. How well the Red Bulls and Fernando Alonso’s McLaren – both to be powered by Renault – will be in terms of upsets is left to be seen.

For the here and now, Lewis Hamilton is the Formula One World Champion.