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Lewis Hamilton wins the United States Grand Prix to extend championship lead and set-up Mexico carnival

Lewis Hamilton needs just nine points to take the 2017 title - Getty Images North America
Lewis Hamilton needs just nine points to take the 2017 title - Getty Images North America

 

Lewis Hamilton took one look at Sebastian Vettel and decided, in the finest old Texan tradition, that this town was not big enough for the both of them. Ever since the United States Grand Prix moved to Austin in 2012, he has been the fastest draw in the West, winning five of six races here, but few were so cathartic or so precious as this. Surging 66 points clear of Sebastian Vettel with just 75 left to play for, Hamilton is now close enough to a fourth world title to taste it.

The formal investiture will take place, in all likelihood, in Mexico City next Sunday, after Hamilton delivered another foot-to-the-floor masterclass to remove any vestige of doubt about where this championship is heading. Vettel was cussed as always, overtaking Hamilton on the opening lap, but the balance of power was restored just moments later as the man of the hour pulled off a sumptuous pass. “I was surprised,” he said, pointedly, “that Sebastian didn’t defend more.”

He was handed a pair of running shoes atop the podium by Usain Bolt, with whom he performed the Jamaican’s ‘To Di World’ victory pose. It was an apt juxtaposition. When the two of them perform at their best, their opponents do not see them for dust. This was a procession under cornflower Texas skies, as Hamilton dominated on a circuit that he has made his own. Vettel, alas, fell victim to a misguided Ferrari strategy. In Japan, it was a spark plug problem, and in Austin it was a question of bungled tactics. Having been sent to the pits twice, while Hamilton settled for one stop, he fell back to fourth, behind both Valtteri Bottas and team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.

A flustered Vettel did all he could to repair the damage, sweeping past Bottas with an audacity that evoked Nigel Mansell in his prime, while Raikkonen moved out of the way like a dutiful No2 driver. Even so, the matter of Hamilton’s coronation is not one of if, but when. “I’m enjoying driving more than ever,” he said. “The pressure is intense, but I always want to elevate myself each time I get in the car.

Hamilton’s mother, Carmen, and his brother, Nicolas, were both trackside in Austin to savour this latest demolition act. They would be well-advised to book their hotels for Mexico next weekend, where the party can begin in earnest. Only a Hamilton retirement – and he has not exited a race prematurely since Malaysia 2016 – can delay the glory now. “I feel amazing,” he said. “This was a beautiful day. I think this is now my favourite track. It’s a dream job, the best feeling in the world.”

United states Grand Prix 2017 | Results
United states Grand Prix 2017 | Results

One battle was resolved at least, as Mercedes secured the constructors’ title for a fourth consecutive year. Often this is a prize solely of interest to those inside the paddock, but it assumes added significance in light of this season’s regulation changes. The shift in 2017 to cars with greater downforce and much higher cornering speeds expected to trigger a change in the hierarchy. Instead, the Silver Arrows have propelled themselves to a quadruple. “I’m so proud to be a part of it,” Hamilton said. “Glad that you seem to like it here,” Pete Bonnington, his race engineer, replied, wryly.

Vettel’s precision off the start line was impeccable, as he edged in front of Hamilton on the dive into Turn One. Fleetingly it seemed as if the two might bang wheels, but both knew better. While the memory of a dramatic first-corner shunt in Singapore still fresh in Vettel’s memory, and Hamilton revelling in the luxury of a 59-point lead, they avoided taking one another out.

Hamilton sensed that his Mercedes was strong enough to vault back into the lead. So it proved four laps later as, with a little help from the drag reduction system, he slipped alongside Vettel on the entrance to the hairpin and re-established an advantage he was in no mood to relinquish again.

United States Grand Prix 2017 pictures - American Football, outer space and new faces
United States Grand Prix 2017 pictures - American Football, outer space and new faces

With the stakes so high, Hamilton was determined not to make the slightest mistake. He was irritated with his engineers when, having built almost a nine-second lead over Vettel, he emerged only fractionally ahead. “That was a little bit close, guys,” he muttered. “Why did we allow him to get so close?”

Such are the trials of a perfectionist. Daniel Ricciardo must have wished he had Hamilton’s problems, after his Renault engine gave up the ghost and denied him what had seemed, given Red Bull’s fearsome early pace, a sure top-three finish. Max Verstappen tried to compensate for the dismay. Closing in on Raikkonen, eyeing third, he was informed that he had only one opportunity at getting by. Duly, he pulled it off, only to be relegated back to fourth by the stewards, who deemed he had veered on to the grass and exceeded track limits. The young Dutchman was incandescent. “With these stupid decisions, you really kill the sport,” he said. So, too, was his father Jos, who tweeted: “This is bulls---. I’m sorry, this sucks.”

His day as a world champion will come, but for now Hamilton can breathe in the rarefied air of one who will soon have done it four times. Only Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost, and Vettel, who stood resignedly beside him on the podium, have ever accomplished such a distinction. Few could doubt that Hamilton has earned it. He has been irresistible since F1’s mid-season break, reeling off five wins to ensure a 91-point swing of the pendulum from Vettel, who led by 25 after Monaco.

Yes, he has the best car, but so does Bottas, who trailed in a distant fifth last night. Hamilton is, indisputably, F1’s alpha male. He can start planning for a Mexican mardi gras. 

 

 

 

10:04PM

We salute you.

This is definitely as much about Hamilton and Bottas as it is for all the people that make and create the vehicles. Those behind the scenes are equally as important.

10:02PM

Kimi gets his podium

10:00PM

Verstappen's punishment

Christian Horner: "I've only just heard it but there has been cars going off track all day today and no action at all. It's wrong. 

"For me, that's fair and hard racing. That's a bad judgement by the stewards to make that call."

9:58PM

Has Vettel lost his chance?

Hamilton only has to finish fifth or better (nine points) to take the title next weekend. You would expect him to do that in Mexico, where he won last year. 

9:56PM

Who does it better?

L-R Usain BOlt and Lewis Hamilton - Credit: Formula1.com
Usain Bolt and Lewis Hamilton do the sprinters trademark celebration Credit: Formula1.com

9:53PM

Five wins in six races is why he loves it

9:52PM

Post race podium

Usain Bolt is doing the post-race podium interview and Hamilton is standing on the podium because the Jamaican is so tall. 

We've all been there Lewis...

9:51PM

Poor Max

9:45PM

Your correct - and revised - podium

United States Grand Prix 2017
United States Grand Prix 2017

9:43PM

Investigation

Max Verstappen on Kimi Raikkonen is under investigation. He has been ruled to have gained an advantage after leaving the track and has a five-second time penalty. He is currently waiting in the driver's room and hasn't been made aware yet. But Raikkonen is heading his way.

#Awkward!

9:41PM

The United States Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton wins ahead of Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Kimi Raikkonen, Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez, Felipe Massa and Daniil Kvyat. 

Lance Stroll finishes in P11 and is followed by Stoffel Vandoorne, Brendon Hartley, Romain Grosjean, Marcus Ericsson and Kevin Magnussen. 

Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo, Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Hulkenberg failed to finish. 

9:38PM

LEWIS HAMILTON WINS THE UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 

Hamilton extends his championship lead to 66 points in Austin. 

Max Verstappen gets on the podium, he goes down the inside on the final lap and takes P3 away from Raikkonen. Absolutely superb.

9:35PM

Lap 55 of 56

Hamilton looks like he is on his way to his fifth win in six races here. 
If it stays as it is, the points difference will be 66.

Massa has moved up to P9 after sailing past the returning Kvyat. Verstappen will be hoping he can cut the 1.1s between him and Raikkonen who sits in P3.

Mechanic: "You are gonna get one shot at it Max."

9:32PM

Can't argue with that

9:31PM

Lap 53 of 56

Vettel gets his man and he is into P3, Bottas now has Verstappen to contend with. The Mercedes man is on older tyres than both. 

Raikkonen has just been told 'Seb is now the car behind' and he does his best to make it look like he's not giving the place up to his teammate. 

Vettel back into P2 but there are 15s between him and leader Hamilton. 

Verstappen tries to go down the inside of Bottas and the Mercedes man locks up but stays ahead when he return to the track. He put up a good fight but Verstappen gets it down easily on the second attempt and the Finn decides to pit.

9:27PM

Lap 51 of 56

Sainz tries again to get past Ocon and this is a nice little battle in the middle of the park for P6. 

Ericsson has a five-sec time penalty for the incident with Magnussen - it will just be added of his final race time. 

Vettel has set a new lap record with 1:38.101 and Bottas has him breathing down his neck with the German 0.357s behind him.

9:23PM

Lap 48 of 56

Hamilton has a 11.6s lead over Riakkonen but Bottas is closing the gap to his fellow Finn. Is the race ended like this Hamilton would not win the title today but he would have a 72 point lead over Vettel. 

Magnussen is off the track. He slows to let Vettel past and Ericsson clips him. He is back on the circuit but he's right at the back. 

9:17PM

Lap 45 of 56

Raikkonen goes down the inside and gets ahead. It was coming as the Ferrari was clearly faster. The older Finn moves into P2 but Hamilton is 9.449s ahead of him.

Hamilton leads Raikkonen, Bottas, Vettel and Verstappen. 

Sainz is enjoying his first Renault weekend up in P7 as he gets just 0.5s behind Ocon. 

Hamilton is not happy with  the 1:39.076 lap that Raikkonen has just done.  

9:13PM

Lap 42 of 56

Massa closed that two sec gap in four laps and the Williams man gets himself into the points by getting ahead of Grosjean. "We can catch all these guys we can have some fun here Felipe," 

Kvyat will be his next target.

Verstappen has set a new fastest time of 1:38.060 and is 2s behind Vettel who is in P4. 

Raikkonen tries again to get around Bottas but he can't nail the move. 

9:09PM

Lap 40 of 56

Vettel pits from P2 and where will he come out? Vettel comes out ahead of Verstappen. 

Hamilton leads Bottas, Raikkonen, Vettel, Verstappen, Ocon, Sainz, Perez and Grosjean. He has a 8.8s gap over his teammate. 

9:07PM

Lap 38 of 56

Raikkonen tries to go down the inside and Bottas locks up but the Ferrari man can't take advantage. This battling Finn is the Kimi we love.

Verstappen is only 2.2s behind in P5, with Ocon a further 49.1s back in P6.  

Verstappen pits. This is curious as he puts on a set of supers... Who else will be stopping again?

The garage tells Max: "You know what we're up to - we need a big lap."

9:03PM

Lap 36 of 56

Sainz is are wheel-to-wheel and it's a great first race for the new Renaulyt. He gets the yellow beast down the inside at Turn 19. Kvyat is all over the back of Perez and Sainz is concentrating on Ocon in P6.

Massa has moved up to P11 and with those fresh ultras he will feel he can take that final points place fro Grosjean. 

Raikkonen has got the speed to take advantage of the DRS zone and he's currently the fastest man on the track. Bottas better be aware...

Vettel has been on the radio and sounds like they may do 'plan b' which would be a two-stop.

8:59PM

Lap 34 of 56

The Force India problem continues as Perez suggests he is faster than Ocon. It doesn't help that Kvyat is and Sainz are nearing on the pink panthers. 

Hamilton has a 5.2s lead over Vettel and if it finished as it stands he would not win the title today, but his lead would be up to 66 points.

Raikkonen has got the gap to Bottas down to 1.6s and the Mercedes man is 2.4s behind Vettel.

Let's not forget the pace of Verstappen who is up to P5 after starting in P16. 

8:55PM

Lap 32 of 56

Ocon having a nice little battle with Massa, and Perez is behind them both - waiting to take advantage. The Williams man is using all his experience to keep the Force Indias at bay. He heads into the pits so Ocon is P6 with his teammate just behind. Remember they have crashed this season so it is unlikely they will challenge each other...

It does look like Perez is faster though and there is under a second between the two...

8:49PM

Lap 28 of 56

Halfway through the race, Hamilton leads Vettel by 4.083s. Behind them are Bottas, Raikkonen, Verstappen, Massa, Ocon, Perez, Sainz and Kvyat.

Grojean sits in P11 ahead of Magnussen, Stroll, Hartley, Vandoorne, Ericsson and Alonso. 

Ricciardo, Wehrlein, Hulkenberg and Alonso are all out. 

8:46PM

Oh Fernando

In this week's installment...

Alonso thinks he has an engine issue as Magnussen, Grosjean, Kvyat and Sainz all go past him. 

"I can't believe it." He heads into the garage and his day will be over...

8:44PM

Lap 25 of 56

Verstappen will surely pit soon as Hamilton gets within a second of him. It has been a great day for the Red Bull driver. 

Hamilton is level with him but Verstappen has the racing line, but the Mercedes has fresher tyres and he gets past the youngster with his superior speed and re-takes the lead. Hamilton sets a new fastest lap.

Sainz gets into the points as he goes past Vandoorne. 

Verstappen pits.

8:40PM

Lap 22 of 56

Verstappen leads but the Red Bull is yet to pit and Hamilton is now just 2s behind him. They are followed by Vettel, Bottas, Raikkonen, Massa, Ocon, Alonso, Perez and Vandoorne, 

Sainz is in P11 and followed by Kvyat, Ericsson, Grosjean, Magnussen, Ericsson, Stroll and Hartley.

8:38PM

A curious race leader

Hamilton: "That was a bit close guys. Why did you allow him - Vettel - to get so close?"

8:37PM

Lap 21 of 56

Bottas pits while Alonso is asking his team what their strategy is. The short version is 'plan b and get past Ocon'.

Hamilton pits with a lead of 10.80. He comes out behind Raikkonen who is yet to pit, but Vettel is right behind him on Turn 2. It was so tight but Hamilton manages to keep 1.3s between the two. 

8:33PM

Poor Danny Ricc

8:33PM

Lap 18 of 56

Vettel is in the pits from P2. He puts the soft tyres on and rejoins the track that is under double yellows. 

He rejoins the track behind Verstappen in P5 who is 6.7s behind Raikkonen.

Hamilton has suggested he can stay out longer, he's currently doing 1:41.334 but Vettel sets the fastest third sector. Bottas is 7.992s behind his teammate. 

8:30PM

Lap 16 of 56

Ricciardo is already back on the move, going past Sainz into P8. The Spaniard has been very impressive this weekend. 

Ricciardo is off the track and he's slowing down on the grass. His race is over. 

"Engines gone."

Thankfully we won't need to see a safety car because he's parked it in a sensible position.

8:26PM

Super Max

8:26PM

Lap 14 of 56

Raikkonen is on the back of Ricciardo, but the Aussie has got his elbows out. He decides to pit and get rid of those tyres. 

Raikkonen is just over 4s behind Bottas who may be the 'best supporting driver' this season if Hamilton wins the title. 

Ricciardo comes out in P9, just behind Sainz. 

8:23PM

Hulkenberg retirement

8:22PM

Lap 12 of 56

Ricciardo has suggested that his tyres aren't doing too well because of the dirty air. 

And there it is, Verstappen sweeps around Ocon and he has moved up by ten places in 11 laps. His engineer says: "Well done Max. We're back in the game, P6."

Hamilton has extended the gap to 2.957s. What will the Ferraris do now?

8:19PM

Lap 10 of 56

Verstappen is up to P7 after sailing past the McLaren of Alonso. Wehrlein is the latest car to retire.

I expect Max to get past Ocon as soon as possible and then he can join the party.

The stewards are investigating the incident between Bottas and Ricciardo on Lap 2 at Turn 1, which is interesting as it didn't look like anything much. 

8:14PM

Lap 7 of 56

Watching the replay from Vettel's angle you can see he had a vastly better start to Hamilton but the Briton is gaining on him. 

Hamilton goes down the inside on the back straight and Vettel looks like he's struggling. Hamilton takes the lead and now he has put his foot down now. - he already has a 1.093s lead over his rival.

8:12PM

Lap 6 of 56

Hamilton is closing the gap to Vettel to under 1 second as he becomes the fastest man on track. 

Raikkonen gets past Ocon into P5 and he's about to join that battle with Bottas and Ricciardo. This could be fun people as the Red Bull is all over the back of the Finn.  He tries to go down the right but the Mercedes man is defending well. 

Vettel leads Hamilton, Bottas, Ricciardo, Raikkonen, Ocon, ALonso, Sainz, Verstappen and Massa.

Perez is P11, followed by Kvyat, Grosjean, Stroll, Vandoorne, Ericsson, Hartley, Magnussen and Wehrlein. Hulkenberg is out of the race.

8:07PM

Lap 3 of 56

Verstappen made up two places on the start and has kept going, he is now in P12. 

Bottas goes off the track after Ricciardo challenges him on Turn 1. He returns to the track and they go head-to-head again at Turn 2 and the Mercedes takes the lead. 

Magnussen comes into the pits and puts the softs on after going off the track on the opening lap. 

8:04PM

Lights out

And we are off! 

Vettel gets away quicker and Hamilton tries to squeeze him out but Vettel has the racing line and he hugs the left side of the track to take the lead. Did they touch?

Vettel leads Hamilton, Bottas, Ricciardo and Ocon. 

8:01PM

Formation lap

Usain Bolt gets them underway with a wave of the green glag. Everyone gets away smoothly and the team's head back to the garage. 

We are moments away from the US Grand Prix. 

7:59PM

Let's get ready to rumble

They listened to Buffer and they've started those engines. 

7:57PM

56 laps of this are ahead for our 20 driver's

Circuit of the Americas - Credit: Formula1.com
Circuit of the Americas Credit: Formula1.com

7:55PM

I wonder who he could be talking to

Bill Clinton on the US Grand Prix: "It's the best thing about our country, where lots of different people get together to do something good."

7:55PM

Five minutes until lights out

We are already on our 17th race of the season with just Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi to go.

The driver's are heading into the cars as they get ready for the formation lap. 

7:48PM

Anthem

Contrary to reports, Hamilton hasn't taken a knee during the anthem. Although he has been particularly sympathetic to those who have done in the past. 

By the way, this singer is amazing. It is definitely a 'yes' from me! 

7:45PM

15 minutes until lights out

I don't know about you but I'm a little excited today. Whatever the result, it could have a crucial affect on the championship.

7:43PM

Someone has a sense of humour

Buffer has just said: "Raikkonen is always smiling"...

7:42PM

How they will line up today

1. Hamilton

2. Vettel

3. Bottas

4. Ricciardo

5. Raikkonen

6. Ocon

7. Sainz

8. Alonso

9. Perez

10. Massa

11. Kvyat

12. Grosjean

13. Ericsson

14. Wehrlein

15. Stroll

16. Verstappen

17. Magnussen

18. Hulkenberg

19. Hartley

20. Vandoorne

NOTE:  There have been grid place penalties for the following...

Vandoorne - 30

Hartley - 25

Hulkenberg - 20

Verstappen - 15

7:41PM

Michael Buffer is on the mic

He's introducing the teams and the driver's and I can't help but think he'd be a great MC at a wedding. 

7:32PM

When in America...

In a style that only they can carry, our US hosts have lots of entertainment for us today. 

The driver's will be announced in four groups - you could say from 'worst to best'. Then we will have the national anthem before legendary Boxing announcer Michael Buffer will tell them to "start their engines". 

Then, Usain Bolt will pose under the start/finish line before waving the green flags to start the formation lap. 

If all that excitement is too much for you the now may be the time to grab your refreshments, gets some fluids and get yourself comfortable. 

7:25PM

Some questions ahead of the race

  • Will Lewis join Vettel, Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio in having won four titles?

  • Where can Carlos Sainz finish after starting in P7 on his Renault debut?

  • Can Verstappen get into the points after his penalties leave him in 16th?

And, most importantly...

  • Will Barack Obama join fellow former president Bill Clinton at the track?

7:19PM

The pitlane is open

We've got movement as the cars head out of the garages. 

A little stat for you: Sergio Perez is seventh in and is the highest driver in the championship without a podium finish. 

7:14PM

No worries...

A very relaxed Lewis Hamilton with Usain Bolt and American actors Hill Harper, Omar Benson Miller and friends - Credit: AP
A very relaxed Lewis Hamilton with Usain Bolt and American actors Hill Harper, Omar Benson Miller and friends Credit: AP

7:08PM

Bolt feeling the need for speed

Usain Bolt after his drive around the track: "There are no words to describe what happened. I was screaming a little bit, I ain’t gonna lie." ​

7:05PM

Some pre-race reading for you

7:00PM

One hour until lights out

Remember, Hamilton has to finish in the top two today to win the title along with other events which are explained here

6:55PM

How they will start

Hamilton

Vettel

Bottas

Ricciardo

Raikkonen

Ocon

Sainz

Alonso

Perez

Massa

Kvyat

Grosjean

Ericsson

Wehrlein

Stroll

Verstappen

Magnussen

Hulkenberg

Hartley

Vandoorne

NOTE:  There have been grid place penalties for the following...

Vandoorne - 30

Hartley - 25

Hulkenberg - 20

Verstappen - 15

6:47PM

Now that's a monster

 It is definitely a different way for the driver's to do their parade.

6:45PM

How they stand ahead of Austin

6:40PM

Champion to champion

L-R Usain Bolt and Lewis Hamilton - Credit: Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton (R) takes Usain Bolt for a spin around the track Credit: Getty Images

6:38PM

A word from the polesitter

Hamilton: "I love pressure, it's a part of the game. The pressure of being in an intense battle excites us as a team.

"Of course on one side, you just want to win the race but the [battles] we've had like Barcelona and Spa have been great."

6:36PM

Will Hamilton take his fourth title today?

As we know, Hamilton could win the title this afternoon if he finishes in the top two and things go his way elsewhere on track.

You can catch up on all the permutations here

6:33PM

Hello

Good afternoon race fans. We're in Austin, Texas for the 17th race of the F1 season and the United States Grand Prix. 

6:26PM

Lewis Hamilton storms to pole with Fourth title win in his sights

Lewis Hamilton pulverised the track record to claim pole position on Saturday ahead of a U.S. Grand Prix that could secure the Mercedes driver's fourth Formula One world championship.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, the Briton's closest rival but 59 points behind in the standings with four races remaining, qualified second after producing a last-gasp effort.

Hamilton, chasing his fifth win in six years at the Circuit of the Americas, will be champion on Sunday if he scores 16 points more than the German. Vettel is the only other driver to have won at the Texas track.

The pole, in a time of one minute 33.108 seconds on a gusty afternoon, was the 72nd of Hamilton's career and 11th of the season.

While Mercedes look sure to clinch the constructors' championship for the fourth year in a row on Sunday, with a 145-point advantage over Ferrari, Hamilton played down his own chances of wrapping things up in America.

"I think it's highly unlikely that's going to be the case," the 32-year-old told the cheering crowd from the pit straight after parking up.

"Sebastian did a great job today to bring the Ferrari back up there. I think ultimately all I can do is do the best I can of my abilities and we are going to work as hard as I can to get maximum points.

"Sebastian is right there so unless he makes a silly mistake, which is unlikely as he's a four-times world champion, then we are going to be seeing it (the battle) continue on to other races."