Lewis Hamilton said his fourth world drivers’ title was “drawing near” after his predominant triumph in the United States Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver is 66 focuses clear of Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel, who completed second, with just 75 still accessible in the staying three races.
Hamilton just needs to complete fifth in Mexico one weekend from now to ensure the title, paying little heed to what Vettel does.
The 32-year-old’s triumph in Austin, Texas, was his fifth in six races since Formula 1 came back from its late spring break toward the finish of August, and he took second place in the other race.
What’s more, he has moved to inside handle of the title to a great extent due to Ferrari’s implosion in the three races in Asia, where Vettel slammed out in Singapore, was confined to fourth by a motor issue in Malaysia and resigned in Japan.
“I could only have dreamed of this happening in the second half of the season,” he said.
“First half – constantly chasing, chasing. They generally had a bit of the upper hand.
“No-one can say one of us had the better car. There have been races where they have been quickest and races where we have been quickest and races where they have been quickest and they have not done a good enough job, like Singapore.”
Hamilton’s triumph, alongside fifth place for colleague Valtteri Bottas, took Mercedes over the line for their fourth continuous constructors’ title.
“I really want to say a big congratulations to the team back at the factory,” he said. “Because it has been a big, big push to come into another era of car and be competitive with Ferrari, who have been right on it from the get-go and who for sure would have started earlier development with their car because we were fighting for the championship.
“A really great achievement and looking forward to this battle for years to come, hopefully.”
Hamilton paid tribute to the group’s accomplishment in figuring out how to remain champions in spite of a gigantic change in specialized controls over the winter.
“Shoot. It’s getting close. That does sound good,” Hamilton said.
“I am going to work even harder to make sure next week we come out on top.”
