Lewis Hamilton says this year is his best season in Formula 1.

Lewis Hamilton won his fifth world title in Mexico, despite finishing fourth in the race. The 2018 season, which he describes as the best of his career, allows him to equal Juan-Manuel Fangio's record.

Lewis Hamilton's fifth world title is more than just a statistical milestone; it is a testament to the relentless self-analysis that has characterized his recent seasons. After clinching the championship in Mexico City, the Mercedes driver spoke candidly about the internal checklist that drove him to surpass even his own triumph of 2017. “This is definitely my best year,” he said, adding that last season's victory forced him to ask himself, “How can I be in better shape? How can I be more focused? How can I manage my time better and simply become a better driver in all areas, not just in the car, but also in my team, in the garage, with my engineers, at the factory?”

His answer was a collective effort. Hamilton thanked the people who make the team work: “I'm really grateful to everyone who helped me get here: the guys in the garage, the factory employees who allowed me to improve my game and win this cup. Without them, I couldn't have done it. My family too; my dad believed in us long before anyone else did, even when I was younger.” This achievement also puts Hamilton alongside Juan-Manuel Fangio, equaling the Argentine legend's record of five world championship titles. Although the two eras are incomparable, this parity underscores Hamilton's rise to a unique place in Formula 1 history. With only two titles separating him from Michael Schumacher's all-time record, the Briton's ambition seems intact. Even as the celebrations are in full swing, Hamilton admits that the reality of the moment seems surreal to him. “Oh my God! Let me just realize that I've won this one first. I don't know, but it's really weird. I remember when I won the Formula 3 championship a few years ago, a European championship, and even then I had a hard time realizing it. I hope I'll get there soon.”

Fans echoed his excitement online. In an Instagram post, Hamilton shared a photo of the trophy with the caption “Wow, unbelievable, 5 world championships!!” and the hashtag #LHFive trended on social media, highlighting the global resonance of his fifth title.