"I want to say a huge thank you to the crowd, staying out through the rain," says Lewis Hamilton. "Hopefully we put on a good show for you.

"I can't find the words to explain how this feels. I couldn't have done it without this team. I love you guys and everything you do for me. For all my family, I love you all."

Image source, F1.com

So who is the person to interview a three-time world champion? Sir Elton John!  Out he strolls in his tracksuit. Casual as you like. 

"I can't believe you are here man," says Lewis Hamilton. 

David Coulthard
BBC F1 co-commentator

"What ever is bothering Nico you have to let it go. You are at risk of looking like a bad loser."

Nico Rosberg is not exactly jumping for joy at his team-mate's win. Head down, looking away from Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel as the celebratory champagne is sprayed.

He looked to have the hump on in the pre-podium room too. Hamilton tossed a cap to him, which Rosberg threw back.

Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel head out on to the podium before Lewis Hamilton is introduced to the crowd, who raise a huge cheer. They love him here.

Shayan S:, external Rosberg, a mediocre driver lucky to be in a great car. Put Vettel in that car, we'd have a thrilling fight between him and Hamilton.

Luke Curtis:, external Best F1 race in quite a few years, engrossing, thrilling and more twists that a Agatha Christie novel!

John O:, external Who could have predicted a young lad from Stevenage will be winning three world F1 championship. This is what dreams are made of.

Lewis Hamilton peels off his race helmet before kneeling down and resting his head on a table in the pre-podium room, breathing heavily. Energy sapped.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says: "What a race with all the ups and downs. A fantastic race. We had a problem at the beginning, at the end it was tight, but I'm just overwhelmed.

"Lewis was almost faultless this year and the car didn't let him down. It is just an amazing feeling."

Lewis Hamilton leaps out of his car and continues leaping about all over the place. He is understandably ecstatic. He had to work for this win - his 10th of the season - but what a way to do it. Stunning drive.

Lewis Hamilton over the team radio: "Thank you so much for everything you guys do. To my family I love you all."

Sebastian Vettel cannot deny Nico Rosberg second place, meaning Lewis Hamilton is a three-time world champion!

"This is the greatest moment of my life," he says over team radio, punching the air as he passes the cheering fans. 

What a race. What a win. 

Image source, Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton crosses the line to win the United States Grand Prix and the world title!

Into the last lap and Lewis Hamilton is firmly on course for victory. The one to watch is Sebastian Vettel. He is closing on Nico Rosberg...

Lewis Hamilton now has a four-second advantage over Nico Rosberg, but there is still a chance he could be denied the title. 

If Sebastian Vettel finishes second, Hamilton's wait will go on. Vettel is just 1.1s behind Rosberg...

Victor Karungu:, external My fingernails are shredded. Heart at 120bpm. Best race of the season.

Matt Shaw:, external Rosberg just isn't of the quality required to ever be a champion.

Waѕiyullah Budye:, external Hamilton will be the first British driver to defend his F1 championship. Feeling proud! Thank you Rosberg ;)

Sir Elton John looks gripped as he watches on from the paddock. This is a thrilling race, best this season? A shame there's only four laps remaining.

As it stands it is: 1) Hamilton 2) Rosberg 3) Vettel 4) Verstappen 5) Perez

David Coulthard
BBC F1 co-commentator

"It has been a good performance from Jenson Button."

Top Gear presenter and BBC Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans is loving this.