Raikkonen crashes Hami’s party
Austin (Texas, USA), Oct. 22: Lewis Hamilton was forced to wait for a fifth world title when he finished third at the US Grand Prix as Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen took a first victory in more than five years.
Title rival Sebastian Vettel in another Ferrari was fourth meaning the championship race will probably be decided in Mexico next weekend instead.
Hamilton now leads Vettel by 70 points and with 75 remaining in the final three races he can clinch his fifth title by finishing seventh in Mexico, if Vettel wins.
If Vettel fails to win, Hamilton will be champion. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished second on Sunday after starting in 18th place.
Raikkonen, who will leave Ferrari for Sauber at the end of the season, claimed the lead on the opening lap and rode his luck in a strategic and tactical race to claim the 21st victory of his career.
It was his first win in 113 races, the longest period between wins in F1 history, breaking the previous record held by Italian Riccardo Patrese.
Raikkonen came home 1.3 seconds ahead of Verstappen with Hamilton finishing a further second adrift after failing to battle past the Dutchman in the final laps.
Vettel recovered from an opening lap spin to keep is slender title hopes alive.
Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was fifth ahead of Nico Hulkenberg and his Renault teammate Carlos Sainz.