Amid title joy, Hamilton reveals personal loss

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Lewis Hamilton had one person on his mind after Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix which saw the Brit clinch his fifth F1 world championship.

Hamilton's race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was a difficult one, marked by handling and tyre issues and his inability to challenge for a mere spot on the podium.

It was all secondary however as his fourth-place finish was enough to secure the title. The 33-year-old admitted that the realization of his fifth coronation was taking some time to sink in, but as the feelings emerged so did the thoughts of his family, the backbone of his career.

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Hamilton revealed that his crowning had come at the end of a difficult week, marked by the passing of 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."

Hamilton has often spoke of his childhood, growing up in a modest council house in Stevenage, fighting racism during his formative years in karting, and the massive appreciation he has always felt for his father's personal sacrifice and unwavering support as he raced to the pinnacle of motorsport.

"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. I think that’s testament to where we are," Hamitlon added.

"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."

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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.