Lewis Hamilton won the fifth world title at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico. But he said he was still absorbing his biggest achievement.
Hamilton jumped to second rank of most world titles list with Argentine legend Juan Manuel Fangio, while the Britisher will aim to catch Michael Schumacher with seven titles.
Hamilton said: “I don’t know if it is ever going to kick in. It hasn’t kicked in right now. I hope it kicks in soon.
“It has been an incredible year, the toughest year mentally and physically.”
He named fifth championship title to himself as Mercedes struggled with the tyres. It was the most troubled race this season as both cars struggled with tyres wear.
He said: “In my mind, it is another day of fighting and I still have more races to win. It is not over for me.
“I have to go back and work with the engineers, debrief, get my mind right, start training again next week and get in gear so we can try to win [the next race] in Brazil.
“We have struggled in these last two races. I am conflicted but I am really happy it’s over because it was a really tough race.
“It came to the last lap and I was just like: ‘Please, hold it together, don’t make any mistakes.’
“I don’t allow myself to be too emotional in public, but now I feel humbled by the whole experience it’s hard to realise it at the moment”
“But it has been a long, long year and it wasn’t won today; it was won by an accumulation of great races from us as a team so I am just thankful for everyone’s help and support.
“I have had incredible support. My fans have been amazing, my family have been so supportive, but most importantly Mercedes and my team, they have been the most incredible unit.
“We have been so unified and we have really worked to raise the bar. I am really proud of everyone.”
Mercedes managed to entitle the championship crown since introduction of turbo hybrid engines in 2014. This equipped Hamilton with the tools necessary to catch Schumacher record, who won 91 races.
Hamilton will consider chasing Schumacher’s royalty.
“I have to try to enjoy this one at the moment,” he said. “You never know what is around the corner and up ahead of you.
“Naturally you have to set your sights and goals high but right now it is really important to cherish every moment.
“Time is so precious and I won’t be standing here as a five-time world champion ever again so that is really what I want to try to enjoy right now.
Hamilton’s contender Vettel on his victory said, “There can only be one winner and he is the one who deserves it”
