Hamilton proud of comeback drive

Lewis Hamilton said his phenomenal comeback drive was inspired by a need for redemption after he delivered a world champion’s performance to fight back to fourth in Brazil.

Hamilton started last after his first competitive lap since winning the title ended in the tyre barrier when he crashed out of qualifying on Saturday.

But while Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel sealed his first victory since July – after he edged past pole-sitter Valtteri Bottas with a gutsy move at the first corner – it was Hamilton who stole the show following his canter through the field.

The 32-year-old Englishman, who even led the race at half distance due to a different strategy, had third-placed Kimi Raikkonen in his sights in the closing stages.

But Hamilton’s charge ran out of steam and he fell less than one second short of capping a remarkable drive by passing the Ferrari man for the final spot on the podium.

“I messed up in qualifying and put myself in the worst possible position,” Hamilton said. “I was quick enough to win the race from pole to flag. I didn’t do that, so I made my job a lot harder.

“Waking up this morning my goal was just to redeem myself after the mistake, do the team proud, and try and get the points back.

“I tried for third, but I just ran out of tyres in the end. I have to be grateful to get back to fourth.”

The Mercedes driver took advantage of a chaotic first lap to progress six places. Daniel Ricciardo, Stoffel Vandoorne and Kevin Magnussen were involved in the first collision. Moments later Romain Grosjean and Esteban Ocon crashed at turn six and the safety car was deployed.

After it came in on lap five all eyes turned to Hamilton as he picked off his opponents one by one.

Vettel’s victory, his first since the summer break, all but ends the race for second place as he moved 22 points clear of Bottas with just the season finale in Abu Dhabi to come.

“I had a chance to squeeze down the inside of Valtteri at the start and I think I surprised him,” said Vettel.

Picture: Getty. Sebastian Vettel celebrates his win in Brazil.