Lewis Hamilton tied Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles by winning the Formula One championship in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
The 32-year-old Briton gave Mercedes a fourth championship and equaled Schumacher’s all-time record with his 50th grand prix win.
Hamilton was also runner-up to Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel in last year’s title-deciding races.
The five-time world champion German had six titles from 1994-98.
“It’s one of the most special days in my life,” Hamilton said. “It’s a lot better than I thought it would be. I was never expecting to get it. The one thing that was in my mind was try and avoid another year of how last year finished.”
Hamilton has scored a race win every year since 2013.
Hamilton’s 50 wins surpassed the late Ayrton Senna’s record of 49.
“I am honored. I am completely honored,” Hamilton said. “I still believe that Michael is the best driver in the world, and that I am still trying to catch him up. This is part of my motivation to do that.”