Kimi wins, keeps Hamilton waiting

Austin, October 22

Lewis Hamilton was forced to wait for a fifth world title when he finished third at the US Grand Prix as Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen took a first victory in more than five years. Title rival Sebastian Vettel in another Ferrari was fourth, meaning the championship race will probably be decided in Mexico next weekend instead. Hamilton now leads Vettel by 70 points and with 75 remaining in the final three races he can clinch his fifth title by finishing seventh in Mexico, if Vettel wins. If Vettel fails to win, Hamilton will be champion. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished second on Sunday after starting in 18th place. It was Raikkonen’s first win in 113 races, the longest period between wins in F1 history. Raikkonen came home 1.3 seconds ahead of Verstappen with Hamilton finishing a further second adrift. Vettel recovered from an opening lap spin to keep is slender title hopes alive.

Typically, Raikkonen played down his success on Sunday while all around him dashed around in celebration. “It’s not going to change my life,” he said. “The champagne tastes the same. It’s no different to the last time on the podium.” — AFP

US Grand Prix 

Result

1. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 1:34:18.643
2. Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull +1.281 seconds 
3. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes +2.342s
4. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari +18.222s
5. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Mercedes +24.744s

Driver standings

Driver pts 

• Lewis Hamilton 346
• Sebastian Vettel 276
• Kimi Raikkonen 221       
• constructor standings
• constructor    pts 
• Mercedes 563
• Ferrari 497