Lewis Hamilton paid tribute to F1 legend Niki Lauda after winning a sixth world title on Sunday at the United States Grand Prix.
Hamilton’s second place finish was enough to clinch a historic sixth title, putting him one behind the legendary Michael Schumacher in the all-time standings.
But this year hasn’t been all plane sailing for Mercedes, as they’ve had to cope with the death of team member Lauda.
Laura was a racing legend in his own right, winning three titles during his career, before playing an instrumental part in signing Hamilton to Mercedes.
But in May, the Austrian passed away in his sleep in hospital following an illness.
And Hamilton has paid tribute to one of his mentors, after making history in Texas on Sunday.
“It’s hard to understand what I’m feeling right now. Naturally, it’s just pure happiness and I feel more humble than ever,” he said.
“I just saw my parents as I came in and just looking at my dad’s smile says it all.
“He supported me from day one – as did Linda, as did my mum. They’ve worked so hard for me to be here so I really wanted them to come out together.
“I think this the first race I can remember for a long, long time that they’ve been together and us being united as a family.
“Cloud nine doesn’t even get close to where I am. I’m somewhere far above that.
“I miss Niki so much. I know today he will be taking his cap off.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do this without Niki. He’s here with us in spirit.”
With victory, Hamilton put himself just one win away from Michael Schumacher in the all-time standings for world titles won.
The championship with was also Hamilton’s third in a row.