Hamilton’s preparations for the race were heavily disrupted as his family was struck by the devastating news. However, the Brit still drove admirably in Mexico City to finish fourth and secure the fifth world title of his career. Max Verstappen won the race while Sebastian Vettel finished second. Kimi Raikkonen also snatched a second podium spot for Ferrari, ahead of Hamilton. And the Mercedes man kept his spirits up to get through the race before hailing his grandfather.

“You know, this has actually been a really difficult weekend, because my grandfather died on Thursday morning,” Hamilton said. “Naturally, when someone passes away, it brings the whole family together, but he was the godfather of the family. “My dad and me were already quite close, but it naturally brought us a little bit closer and I will always remember and I never will forget the things that he did in order for me to be here today and for our family to thrive. “I really do aspire to be like him, as a strong, black man and as a father and as a human being for doing what he did in the difficult times the little that he had.

Lewis Hamilton's grandfather passed away on Thursday morning

The Brit won his fifth world title in Mexico yesterday

“I think that’s testament to where we are. “I think all that work that he put in, my grandfather would be so proud of him, so proud of us and grateful that the Hamilton is there and established and will now go down in history, which is kind of crazy to think.” One of Hamilton’s middle names is Davidson in honour of his grandfather. Meanwhile, the 33-year-old reckons this season has been the best one of his career.

Lewis Hamilton is now joint-second in the all time honours list

“It’s definitely the best year,” said Hamilton. “Ultimately it was the goal. When I won the Championship last year, I was like how am I going to improve? How can I be fitter? How can I be more focused? “How can I manage my time better and how can I just be a better all-round driver, not just in the car, but also in my team, in the garage, with my engineers, back in the factory? Just in all areas. “This year I have been able to lift them all up. I don’t know if that’s something that comes with age. But I’m sure the experience helps.

Valtteri Bottas congratulated his team-mate on winning the title