MEXICAN GRAND PRIX BOTTAS MEX LEWIS WAIT

Hamilton wins but Finn’s third place means Brit cannot claim his sixth crown until next week

LEWIS HAMILTON won the Mexican Grand Prix as Mercedes took a gamble on his tyres – but Valtteri Bottas made sure his title celebrations are on hold.

Roll on next Sunday for a bit more power in Austin and Hamilton will surely have world crown No.6 to his name at the US Grand Prix.

The Brit lined up third after Max Verstappen was controversially stripped of pole. He then quickly found himself back in fifth, but came through for his 10th victory of the season, and 83rd of his career.

To secure the title, closest rival and Mercedes team-mate Bottas had to finish fifth or worse. But he was third behind second-placed Sebastian Vettel.

Hamilton made his tyres last for 48 of the 71-lap race. He now needs finish only eighth next Sunday to be sure of the championship that will move him to within one of Michael Schumacher’s record of seven.

Although Mercedes’ tyre strategy proved a masterstroke, Hamilton had been on the radio to question his pit wall’s decision. But, at the end, roared on by the crowd as he stood on his car, he said: “Today is an incredible result, I have to say a huge thanks to my team, the guys have continued to work incredibly hard.

“We came here on the back foot but pulled through. I don’t mind that I have to wait for the championship.”

Bottas (below) started in sixth and Hamilton roared away from his marks and took a nibble at Vettel on the charge to the opening bend.

Vettel afforded Hamilton little or no room, and the Mercedes star was forced to back out, but stewards took no action.

Verstappen, who had started one spot behind Hamilton, then drew alongside the Brit as they broke for the first righthander – but Hamilton had no desire to concede the place.

He slid across the apex of the left-handed second bend, running on to the grass and taking Verstappen with him.

By the time Hamilton recovered, he was fifth, but soon passed the Mclaren of Carlos Sainz for fourth, assuming the lead on lap 44 after Charles Leclerc botched a pit stop.

L Hamilton (GB) S Vettel (Ger) V Bottas (Fin) C Leclerc (Mon) A Albon (Tha) M Verstappen (Hol) S Perez (Mex) D Ricciardo (Aus) D Kvyat (Rus) Pierre Gasly (Fra) 1h 36m 48.904s 1:36:50.670 1:36:52.457 1:36:55.272 1:37:10.303 1:37:57.711 1:38:02.723 1:38:03.828 at 1 lap at 1 lap