LEWIS HAMILTON says Austin is now his “favourite track” after he claimed victory in the US Grand Prix last night.
The Brit Mercedes driver was unable to claim his fourth world title due to Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel’s second-place finish.
But that failed to dampen his mood after his triumph in Texas.
Hamilton, who just needs to finish in the top five in Mexico City next weekend to clinch the crown, said: “It feels amazing. Look at this crowd. These guys have been amazing.
“Since 2012 the crowd has been growing year on year. I think this track is now my favourite track.
“A big congratulations to the team. They work so hard back at the factory and here.
“I feel great. It has been a humbling experience. It is a dream job. Many people would love to drive an F1 car and I can tell you it is the best experience in the world.”
The jubilant 32-year-old continued: “Congrats to the team and partners and factory and here.
AUSTIN POWERS Lewis Hamilton wins US GP to put one hand on F1 title while Sebastian Vettel postpones his celebrations with second-placed finish
“Incredible push for this kind of performance and we have really pulled together and created something quite special.
“It shows we have strength in depth and I am proud to be a part of it.
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“The race itself was a fun one, I did not get a great start but I was chilled about it because I know you can overtake here and having that battle was reminiscent of 2012 here and seeing Sebastian ahead and I had a battle and had a lot of fun.
“It came down to the overtake on lap six at Turn 12 and I was surprised Seb did not defend more. I also had a battled with Verstappen which was fun.”
Rival Vettel could not hide his disappointment afterwards, saying: “At the start it was looking good, we got past Lewis, but we had to realise we couldn’t go at his pace.
“We were then in no-man’s land and were not quite sure (what to do). We decided to pit again, with a fresh set of tyres and it was a bit more exciting but overall not the result we needed. They were quicker than us and we have to admit that.
“I started off well had a great start but was just not quick enough and I felt the tyres were suffering after only three laps and then he was quicker.
“I tried to block him but he was so much quicker, that it didn’t matter. I was disappointed to lose the place but it was not our win. After that it was managing the race and trying to get back.”
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