Advertisement

Hamilton on verge of world title after winning US Grand Prix

The 32-year-old Mercedes driver recorded his ninth win of the year.

F1 US Grand Prix Auto Racing Hamilton finished ahead of title rival Sebastian Vettel.

LEWIS HAMILTON MOVED a step closer to his fourth world championship on Sunday when he won the United States Grand Prix, coming home ahead of his nearest title rival Sebastian Vettel.

The 32-year-old Briton, who started from a record 72nd pole position, recovered after losing his advantage at the start to regain the lead and steer his Mercedes to his ninth win this year, his fifth in Texas and the 62nd of his career.

Four-time champion Vettel came home second for Ferrari and with three races remaining trails Hamilton by 66 points in the drivers’ title race.

Hamilton now needs just to finish only fifth in Mexico next weekend to claim a fourth world title.

“We had a beautiful day. I love this track. I think this track is now my favourite,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton’s victory, with Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas finishing fifth, confirmed the team as constructors champions for 2017 and for the fourth consecutive season.

F1 US Grand Prix Auto Racing Hamilton only needs to finish fifth in Mexico next weekend to claim a fourth world title. Darron Cummings Darron Cummings

“At the start it was looking good but quickly we realised we couldn’t do the same pace as Lewis. Overall not the result we wanted,” said Vettel.

Dutchman Max Verstappen crossed the line in third place after a controversial final corner passing move that saw his Red Bull car run off track as he swept beyond Kimi Raikkonen in the second Ferrari.

The move was investigated immediately by the stewards who gave Verstappen, who had already gone to the podium ceremony waiting room, a five seconds penalty that cost him third and lifted Raikkonen back to third for Ferrari.

All this meant that Verstappen finished fourth ahead of Bottas, Frenchman Esteban Ocon of Force India and Spaniard Carlos Sainz who finished seventh on his debut with Renault following his move from Toro Rosso.

Brazilian Felipe Massa finished ninth for Williams and Russian Daniil Kvyat 10th in the second Toro Rosso.

Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:

Garcia edges out Luiten for another Valderrama victory in Andalucia

It’s Sunday so here are 10 of our favourite images from the sporting week

Author
View 12 comments
Close
12 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel