Lewis Hamilton has said it feels “very strange” to match Juan Manuel Fangio’s achievement of five World Championship titles.

Hamilton needed to finish P7 or higher at the Mexico Grand Prix to clinch back-to-back World Championships and duly obliged, albeit in a rather forgettable P4.

The Brit got off to an awesome start in Mexico City, jumping up to P2 and tracking Max Verstappen for the race lead.

But Mercedes’ tyre troubles quickly became apparent and Hamilton was helpless as he slipped down the pecking order.

However, the events of his race in Mexico will pale into insignificance after adding to his Formula 1 legacy with a fifth title.

“It’s a very strange feeling right now,” Hamilton said in front of the packed stadium section in Mexico.

“It wasn’t won here, it was won through a lot of hard work through many races.

“I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13 so to complete this – Fangio had done it with Mercedes – it’s an incredible feeling and very surreal at the moment.

“It was a horrible race. I got a great start and was working my way up but then I really don’t know what happened after that. I was just trying to hold on and bring the car home.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my family, and for all the hard work my Dad did. It’s a very humbling experience.”