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.
“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.
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A very interesting article. Kevin could open a tin of beans with that left foot.
@austin flevin:
Agreed, Kevin was indeed a great servant to ROI International football. He scored some wonderful goals with that educated left peg of his. Fair play to him!
Sheedy’s left foot was 2nd only to Christy Brown. The only Irishman to score and save a penalty in a cup final.
@sean byrne: did Niall Quinn do something similar score and save a penalty?
Not in a cup final
His performance against Russia in Euro 88 was one of the best ive seen from an Irish player.
Great article, class act deserves to be mentioned among the greats more often!!
That free-kick against Ipswich was delectable. If that was Maradona or Messi we’d be drooling over it infinitely.
That rocket against england in Italia 90 is one of my favourite Ireland goals of all time. One of the cleanest strikes you’ll ever see. Shilton hadnt a chance.