HAMILTON HAS THE TEX FACTOR
Lewis triumphs in USA but world title celebrations on hold for week
LEWIS HAMILTON cracked open the bubbly but was forced to put the title champagne on ice at the United States Grand Prix.
The Mercedes star did what he needed to do by winning but a second-place finish for Sebastian Vettel keeps the Brit waiting to claim his fourth world crown.
Hamilton gave sprint legend Usain Bolt a lap around the track before the race, then emulated his pal with a slow start before making it a procession to the finishing line.
Starting from pole, he was overtaken by Vettel. The Ferrari driver stayed in front for six laps before Hamilton attacked, retook the lead and drove off into the distance.
It was Hamilton’s ninth win of the year and he has a 66point lead over Vettel. He said: “That was so much fun. You guys have worked so hard, so proud to be a part of it.”
While Hamilton will aim to take the title in Mexico next week – he only needs a fifthplaced finish – his Mercedes team clinched a fourth consecutive constructors’ title.
“I’m so happy and so proud of what the team have achieved,” said boss Toto Wolff. “So much effort has been put in 24-7 it couldn’t feel any better right now. At the end the best car wins. It’s about pace and reliability and that won us the constructors’ championship.
“It is not done yet – we need to seal in Mexico.”
Hamilton, presented with his winner’s trophy by former president Bill Clinton, added: “I feel amazing. Look at this crowd. These guys have been amazing.
“Since 2012 the crowd has been growing year on year. I think this is now my favourite track.
“Big congratulations to the team. They work so hard back at the factory and here.
“I feel great. It’s a dream job. Many people would love to drive an F1 car and I can tell you it is the best experience in the world.”
Vettel had to work hard for his runner-up spot after stopping for a second time on lap 39. He was the only one of the front-runners to attempt a two-stop strategy but hunted down Valtteri Bottas before making a bold swoop around the outside of the Mercedes with five laps remaining. Kimi Raikkonen then moved aside for his team-mate on the following lap.
Max Verstappen appeared to have completed a remarkable drive by finishing on the podium – only to be denied by the stewards, who penalised him for the move that got him into third place.
Vettel said: “At the start it was looking good, we got past Lewis, but we had to realise we couldn’t go at his pace.
“We were then in no-man’s land. We decided to pit again, with a fresh set of tyres and it was a bit more exciting but overall not the result we needed.”