Hamilton: Third F1 title the greatest moment of my life

A jubilant Lewis Hamilton said he was struggling to put his feelings into words after clinching his third Formula One drivers' championship with victory in Austin on Sunday.

The Briton prevailed in a breathless, frenetic and wildly unpredictable US race - and with Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg beating Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel to second, earned an unassailable lead in the standings.

"It's difficult to find the words really. I owe it all to my dad and family who supported me all these years and sacrificed so much," Hamilton said afterwards. "It's a very humbling experience, especially to equal Ayrton Senna [on three world titles] - I feel very blessed today.

"It's the greatest moment of my life. I pushed and pushed - I hope I can inspire people to never give up. It's just crazy to think I'm now a three-time world champion."

Hamilton admitted there were several occasions where he thought his chance of victory was over, particularly after dropping to fourth at mid-distance and then losing the advantage to Rosberg late on.

"Today so many times I thought I had lost the race," he said. "Nico was really quick in stages, he pitted under the Virtual Safety Car…but never for one second did I think I couldn't do it.

"I'm buzzing inside… I can't find the right words to express the feeling but it's the greatest I've had in my life. Nico drove a fantastic race, mad respect for him as a team mate. I just can't believe I'm sitting here. To my family, I love you. To the team, thank you so much - I'm overdue a drink with the team!"