TEXAS, USA (CMC) — Lewis Hamilton has described the capture of his third Formula One drivers title as “the greatest moment” of his life after he dramatically won the United States Grand Prix on Saturday to accomplish the feat.

The 30-year-old Brit, whose paternal grandparents hail from Grenada, clocked one hour, 50.52 minutes to beat Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg into second spot and Sebastian Vettel into third.

Hamilton entered the contest needing to outscore the second-placed Vettel by nine points and the third-placed Rosberg by two points, and did so comfortably to become the 10th driver to win at least three world titles and only the second Brit behind the legendary Sir Jackie Stewart.

“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,” a delighted Hamilton said afterward.

“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.”

With the victory, Hamilton moved to an unassailable 327 points with Vettel lying second with 251 and Rosberg four points back in third, and has clinched the title with races remaining in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.

Hamilton, who started from second on the grid, trailed pole-sitter Rosberg until lap 48 of the 56 when the German ran wide after coming out of the hairpin. The defending champion then capitalised to snatch the lead and never relinquished it.

“Today so many times I thought I had lost the race. 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,” Hamilton said.

“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 teammate. 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.”

Hamilton became the first ever black driver to win an F1 world title when he claimed his maiden triumph in 2008 for McLaren.

After switching teams in 2013, Hamilton won his second world title last year.