Lewis Hamilton secured his 6th world title, however not in the style he hoped after on Sunday when he completed second behind his triumphant Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in a momentous United States Grand Prix. The 34-year-old Briton battled with fierce determination to win from fifth on the grid, however was not able to resist the Finn, who began from pole and, with a two-stop technique, had fresher tyres in the critical final laps.
Afterleading twice, Hamilton was passed by Bottas with three laps remaining and afterward opposed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to take his 150th podium finish and his 31st progressive finish in the focuses. It sealed his sixth title, leaving him one adrift of Michael Schumacher on seven. Lewis Hamilton added the 2019 title to past victories in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018.I can barely handle it, much appreciated, Hamilton said over the team radio as he moved out of a tie for five titles he held with Argentina’s Juan-Manuel Fangio.
He added It’s simply overwhelming in case I’m extremely fair. It was such an intense race today, Valtteri worked superb. As an athlete I feel as new as anyone might imagine. We’ll continue pushing for the remainder of the season.
I didn’t know if it would be possible but I worked as hard as I could spend time with my team back at the factory. My mum, dad, step-mum and step-dad and my family are here and it’s an honour to be here with six titles with those greats.
It was Bottas’ fourth win of the season and the seventh of his career. It’s a decent success, said the Finn. Actually, I flopped on my objective this year, however Lewis merits it. He’s had a decent season. Hamilton stopped his Mercedes in a space held for the boss before jumping into the arms of his family and friends.
Verstappen completed third in front of Charles Leclerc of Ferrari – some pay to team supervisor Mattia Binotto on his 50th birthday celebration following the early retirement, with broken suspension, of Sebastian Vettel – with Alex Albon fifth in the subsequent Red Bull. Daniel Ricciardo was 6th for Renault in front of the two McLarens of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, Nico Hulkenberg in the second Renault and Toro Rosso’s Daniil Kvyat.
