Lewis Hamilton says 2015 his best year yet in F1 after third world title

Lewis Hamilton believes his third world championship title has capped his "strongest year" in F1.

The 30-year-old's ninth season at motorsport's top level has seen him become the 10th driver to win three or more drivers' crowns and the first Briton to claim back-to-back titles.

Hamilton has already secured more pole positions in one season - 11 - than he has managed before, while victory in all three of the remaining races would see him tie the record jointly held by Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel for the most wins in a single campaign: 13.

And Hamilton, whose previous two title victories came in final-race deciders, reckons he has never been in better form.

"It has been an amazing year," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "This has been the strongest year I think I've ever had. I just can't believe it."

Where does Hamilton rank?

Fleet Street debate Lewis Hamilton's place in the F1 - and wider British sport - pantheon.

Having already this year entered the top four placings for all-time victories, podiums and poles, Hamilton's place in F1's history books is firmly assured.

Asked if being remembered for his eye-catching driving style was even more important to him than being remembered for his achievements, Hamilton replied: "The titles are a great thing to have.

"There's a saying: if you're not enough without it, you'll never be enough with it. So I think if I'm ever remembered I want to be remembered for the stuff outside of the car, and those things [titles] are the cherry on top on the cake."

Speaking in an interview with Forbes magazine ahead of his title-clinching victory in Austin on Sunday, Hamilton revealed he could "envision 37 or 38 [years old] being enough for me" in F1.

Hamilton's interests beyond motorsport, from music to fashion, are regularly documented on social media while he also conducts charity work.

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And while he says some of his off-track "plans" are likely to come to fruition over the next year, his focus on enjoying even more success in F1 remains in tact.

"I'm definitely very conscious of my position. The position that I am in, and the fortunate position I'm in, to be able to make a difference in a lot of different areas," Hamilton added.

"These 12 months are a part of a planning process and implementing some of the plans that I already have in place in terms of continuing to do those different bits of work. I'm still carrying the flag for you guys [Britain] and I'll just continue to do it as long as I can, proudly."