The Mercedes driver added the 2015 crown to his 2008 and 2014 successes with victory in the United States GP on Sunday, becoming the 10th driver in F1 history to win at least three championships.

Hamilton has spoken openly about his dream of matching Senna’s three titles, and he said he does not have any other specific targets in mind.

“For me the target was to get the three that Ayrton had,” said Hamilton.

“He wasn’t from the same country as me but he was the guy who inspired me as a youngster.

“I don’t know what is going to come next. There is no-one else I look to who I want to emulate.

“I feel like I’ve got the baton for myself and Ayrton, and will carry that on and see how far I can take it.”

Hamilton said the crazy nature of the race at Austin made winning the championship emotionally draining.

“The last 10-15 laps were the tough ones,” he said when asked how emotional the final lap was.

“Those last laps, the world championship is right there, and I’m thinking ‘am I going to get it?’

“Everything I have got from these years, everything I have built up, I was so close, I could smell it so I was pushing.

“I’m just overwhelmed, it’s difficult to find the words. It’s crazy to think I’m a three-time Formula 1 world champion.

“This one feels special – it tops last year as it’s equaling Ayrton.”