Lewis Hamilton clinches fifth Formula 1 title in Mexico

Lewis Hamilton is a five-time Formula 1 champion.

Hamilton finished fourth on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix to clinch another world title. Hamilton grabbed second off the start but had issues with pace and tire degradation as Max Verstappen cruised to an easy win.

Hamilton was able to clinch the title because of the huge gap he had built up over Sebastian Vettel. He entered the race 70 points ahead of Vettel thanks to nine wins in the first 17 races of the season and had the opportunity to clinch a week ago at the United States Grand Prix. But the title chase went another week.

It’s the second straight title for Hamilton and his fourth in the last five years. He was second to Vettel in 2016. He was beaten that season by teammate Nico Rosberg, meaning Mercedes drivers have won each of the last five titles.

Hamilton’s five titles tie him with Juan Manuel Fangio for second-most all-time in Formula 1. Michael Schumacher has the most championships with seven.

Vettel, who won four straight championships at Red Bull racing from 2010-13, finished second to Verstappen on Sunday as all of the frontrunners made two pit stops instead of one. U.S. Grand Prix winner Kimi Raikkonen was third and Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was fifth. The second- and third-place finishes by the Ferrari drivers meant Mercedes was unable to clinch the constructor’s championship in Mexico.

Two races remain on the 2018 Formula 1 calendar: Brazil and Abu Dhabi.

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Nick Bromberg is a writer for Yahoo Sports.

Follow @NickBromberg on Twitter

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