Lewis Hamilton has admitted that winning his fourth world championship title while finishing in a lowly ninth place at the Mexican Grand Prix has left him with mixed emotions.

The Mercedes driver had to rely on Sebastian Vettel finishing lower than second after leaving himself with a mountain to climb right from the first corner.

Hamilton collided with his Ferrari rival and did not recover sufficiently to collect the top-five finish required, instead earning his latest title success by virtue of Vettel also falling short.

Speaking to Sky Sports News after the race, Hamilton said: "It was a horrible way to do it but what can I do? I said I wasn't going to take it easy at turn one.

"I placed the car in the perfect position and left a lot of space for the car behind. I kept coming back. I want to say a big thank you to everyone back at Brixworth and Brackley.

"Being 40 seconds behind is like being in no man's land. I was just thinking about catching. The feelings are so mixed right now. I am really happy with this fourth title.

"I have to take time to think. I am proud of the [British] flag and everyone who represents it. I will continue to raise it as high as I can."

Hamilton is now officially Britain's most successful Formula 1 driver ever, overtaking Sir Jackie Stewart with his fourth crown.