The Englishman made hard work of his triumph after a nervous Mexican Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton started promisingly before being passed by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.
He then ran off the road while battling for position with Daniel Ricciardo.
Hamilton passed the chequered flag in fourth to secure the championship with two rounds left to spare.
And the 33-year-old celebrated in front of the 40,000 crowd by performing donuts.
He then stood on top of his car to salute the crowd.
But Hamilton revealed he wasn’t going to get carried away with any further celebrations.
“Right now, it just doesn’t feel real,” Hamilton said.
And the 33-year-old celebrated in front of the 40,000 crowd by performing donuts.
He then stood on top of his car to salute the crowd.
But Hamilton revealed he wasn’t going to get carried away with any further celebrations.
“Right now, it just doesn’t feel real,” Hamilton said.
“I feel like I am going to wake up in a matter of moments.
“It is going to sound really boring, but I just feel content and really happy, so I am looking forward to going to sleep.
“Tonight, I will leave this beautiful country, and I am looking forward to seeing my dogs, Roscoe and Coco, who live in LA. The unconditional love of a pet is something quite special.
“I have a lot of friends around me, so I am sure we will come together and embrace this moment.”
Hamilton will begin his victory parade in Brazil a week on Sunday.
Vettel cut short his television interview after the race to embrace and congratulate Hamilton.
The Ferrari driver finished second in Mexico City behind winner Max Verstappen.
“Lewis drove superbly all year, and he was the better one of us two,” said Vettel.
“Number five is something incredible so I told him to enjoy it, and keep pushing as I need him to be at his best for us to keep fighting again next year.”