F1 Brazil: #HiFive for the Silver Arrows

Lewis said: "Phoar...I think that might have been the best moment I have ever had with this team. It was really emotional and I just loved seeing the guys. I have never seen them so happy. We have been together a long time, they are happy but they are reserved. I was hoping that when I got back to the garage they were feeling what I was feeling and I saw it and we shared it. I am going to remember that moment for the rest of my life. I am so proud of everyone.

"And that record, it is hard to contemplate what has happened in these past six years. I have just really been such an incredible journey. By no means has it been easy for anyone in the team. It has been a real battle for all of us. Even for me in the car, to keep my cool under the pressure and deliver. It's the same for everyone else, the pitstops and the guys who build the car and the guys at the factory and the decision they are making about the next upgrade. It is just the greatest team ethic I can remember seeing. It is just awesome."

Head of Mercedes Motorsport, Toto Wolff, praised the British driver's impeccable record since he joined the team in 2013, and said the Silver Arrows would not have achieved this success without him in the team.

Toto was also quick to express his admiration of Valtteri's role in helping the team to the championship titles, by saying: "We wouldn't have won five championships if Lewis was not in the team. He is an exceptional driver and an unbelievable personality; human is the right word, and therefore he has been an integral part of the team. He's at the forefront of the car. There are many other exceptional people who have contributed to the success but clearly it wouldn't have gone without him and it wouldn't have gone without others either.

"Valtteri's contribution was enormous. He's kept his dignity and played a big role in supporting the team without losing his stature as a racing driver and as a racing driver that can win. I think it's an enormous mental struggle to know that you can't win anymore and you need to support your teammate, and he's achieved that. I think he will come back strong next year and will give Lewis and all the others a run for their money."

Valtteri added: "I'm really happy and proud to be part of this team. This is down to hard work by every single team member, both back at the factories in Brackley and Brixworth as well as here at the race track - they really deserve this title.

"It's usually only a few people who are in the spotlight all the time, but there are many, many hidden heroes in our team - thank you all! We kept everything together even under immense pressure, minimised our mistakes and did a great job developing the car - huge congratulations to everyone.”