Lewis Hamilton wins F1 championship 2015: The Briton's top five wins of the season

Hamilton won his third F1 title with success at the US Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton celebrates his Belgium Grand Prix triumph (2015 Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton seized on a late mistake by Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg to win the United States Grand Prix and secure his third Formula One season championship.

Hamilton overtook Rosberg with eight laps to go Sunday when Rosberg locked his tires and helplessly watched his teammate zoom past.

Hamilton had to beat Rosberg and outscore Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel by nine points to wrap up his second consecutive championship with Mercedes. He also won with McLaren in 2008.

CLICK BELOW FOR HIS BEST WINS OF THE SEASON

The win also gives Hamilton his 21st victory over two seasons and 10th this year. He is the first Formula One driver to win 10 or more races in consecutive seasons.

Vettel, who could have pushed the title chase to next week in Mexico City, finished third after starting 13th.

An emotional Hamilton struggled for words inside his crash helmet after he was informed he had seen off Vettel and Rosberg to win this year's crown.

"This is the greatest moment of my life," he eventually said over the team radio. "To my family, I love you all."

On his return to the pits, Hamilton leapt out of his Mercedes before running to his team. He then made his way up to the green room - the area before the podium celebrations - where the emotion of his incredible achievement reduced him to tears.

A dejected Rosberg sat slumped in a chair in the corner of the room with Hamilton attempting to regain his composure by mopping down his brow.

Hamilton then threw a sponsors' cap for the podium in the direction of Rosberg, who responded by launching it straight back at his rival without so much as a hint of a smile.