Lewis Hamilton wins sixth F1 world Championship. His emotional reaction: “It's beyond surreal”

Lewis Hamilton won his sixth world drivers’ title with a second place in the United States Grand Prix. He is now on the second place on the all-time list of world champions, just one behind Michael Schumacher. Hamilton is also closing in on a number of records held by the F1 legend, as the Briton is only eight race victories away from matching Schumacher’s incredible record of 91 wins. "It's just overwhelming," he said. "It was such a tough race. Yesterday was a tough day. I really just wanted to recover and deliver the one-two. I didn't think the one-stop was going to be possible. I am filled with so much emotion. It is an honour to be up there with those greats. My dad told me when I was six or seven years old to never give up. Asked what he could go on to achieve in his career, Hamilton said: "I don't know about championships but as an athlete, I feel fresh as can be. We won't let up, we'll keep pushing." Hamilton has secured the championship with 10 victories out of 19 races held so far this season. "It's beyond surreal that my life journey has brought me to this point in winning the sixth title," he said. "I don't know how I am supposed to feel right now." The 34-year-old added: "How am I supposed to feel? I remember watching this sport when I was younger. It's odd to watch it and see someone in the TV set and now to be the person in the TV set and to be doing something like the great that I saw in Ayrton [Senna] and the great I saw in Michael. I don't believe in the whole cloud nine thing. I am flying super-high right now. I have my family with me. I don't remember the last time my mum and dad and step mum and stepdad were at a Grand Prix, and I don't think I've had them at World Championship grand prix before. I am really happy to share that with them - the people who have been at the core of who I am and sacrificed everything they have for me to have the life I have to do and have this opportunity." The Briton dedicated the triumph to his family and the late Niki Lauda. Hamilton said: "It's hard to understand what I'm feeling right now. Naturally, it's just pure happiness and I feel more humble than ever. 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." Hamilton also thanked F1 icon Lauda, who was a huge influence on Hamilton's career before he passed away earlier this year. "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," he added. Source-  BBC 

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