Title rival Sebastian Vettel was among the first to congratulate Lewis Hamilton on winning a fifth world championship crown.
Hamilton’s fourth-place finish in the Mexican Grand Prix was enough to take him level with Juan Manuel Fangio and just two short of Michael Schumacher’s record seven titles.
Vettel broke off from a television interview to congratulate Hamilton on his fifth title and fourth in the last five years.
? | Sebastian Vettel’s Post Race Interview + congratulating Lewis Hamilton #MexicoGP ?? pic.twitter.com/11LS1k6Mam
— Sebastian Vettel #5 (@sebvettelnews) October 28, 2018
Former driver David Coulthard, who was conducting the interview with Vettel, took to social media to offer his congratulations, as did Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.
Congratulations @LewisHamilton , 5 times a winner ! #f1 , #mexico pic.twitter.com/sWgS6RJ34M
— David Coulthard (@therealdcf1) October 28, 2018
Congratulations Lewis for the 5th World Championship title!
Another strong season – well deserved ?#LH44 #VB77 #F1 #MexicanGP @LewisHamilton @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/9XqKwbWkHX
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) October 28, 2018
Bizarrely, actor Will Smith was heard congratulating Hamilton over the team radio shortly after the race had finished.
Yes, this was really Will Smith on Lewis Hamilton’s radio. pic.twitter.com/Ep3ZTqZTJ7
— Nick Bromberg (@NickBromberg) October 28, 2018
The race itself was won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and the team were quick to applaud the achievements of both drivers.
A good day for Max, but even better for @LewisHamilton and @MercedesAMGF1! ?
Congratulations on a fifth Drivers’ World Championship! ? #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/YSEwSd46HD
— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) October 28, 2018
Many of Hamilton’s fans took to Twitter to suggest that the 33-year-old should receive a knighthood to mark his achievements.
When are we going to see @LewisHamilton knighted? Sir Lewis has a ring to it! #F1 #SkyF1 pic.twitter.com/0RvKIKoI8S
— Natalie (@LadyTiggs1) October 28, 2018
