Fourth title reflects the best team, not the best car - Hamilton

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Lewis Hamilton says his fourth world title is the result of a combined effort from the best team in Formula 1, which did not have the best car in 2017.

Many would rightly argue that the most successful British driver in F1 enjoyed a clear advantage in 2008 with McLaren, and in 2014 and 15 with Mercedes.

Hamilton insists however that this season's W08 is not the cream of the crop.

"Whilst people have written that we've had the best car, I don't believe we've had the best car," he argued.

Hamilton: 'It was a horrible way to win the title!'

"I think we've been the best team, we've done the best job but there have been times when we've not had the best car."

Mercedes' relative weakness at some venues this year undoubtedly forced Hamilton to raise his game.

But the major catalyst for that improvement has been the presence of a worthy and tenacious pair of opponents: Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel.

"It felt challenging on a personal level, this year is a championship of which I've been hoping for, a little bit like 2008, where you're fighting another team, fighting this historic team, which Michael raced for and won championships in," he said.

"I'm really proud of that and to be able to battle someone else who is a four-time world champion, a proven world champion, who's got great skill and a team also that knows how to win championship.

"That's how every championship needs to be, and I hope there's more championships like this one where we have this tough battle."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.