(CNN) Lewis Hamilton has been crowned the 2017 Formula One world champion -- his fourth title -- despite finishing ninth in what proved to be an intriguing Mexico Grand Prix. Vettel and Hamilton gradually moved up the field but the German had left himself too much to do to take his world title challenge to the season's penultimate race in Brazil. Hamilton eventually crushed any remaining hope Vettel had by brilliantly overtaking Fernando Alonso to take ninth place, leaving the German needing to win the race keep the world championship alive. It was game over, ensuring Hamilton becomes the first driver to win a world championship after being lapped since James Hunt in 1976. Hamilton is the 2017 world champion, allowing him to join Vettel and Frenchman Alain Prost on four world titles.

Source: CNN October 29, 2017 20:37 UTC