Defending champion Lewis Hamilton drove brilliantly to win yet another United States Grand Prix — his fifth in the country — on Sunday. With this win, Hamilton has reduced the gap in points with Nico Rosberg to 26 points. Rosberg and Daniel Ricciardo finished second and third, respectively.
This victory is a major landmark in Hamilton's career as it marks his 50th grand prix win. Only two drivers — Alain Prost, who has won 51 and Michael Schumacher (91) — have won more races than him, which speaks volumes about the Brit's achievement. He also spoke about the feat.
"I had completely forgotten that it was going to be the fiftieth. It's been a long time coming. Once again, and I know I've mentioned it before but I've been here for ten years, I've had lots of ups and downs and lots of great opportunities to work with some incredibly gifted people who have helped me get here today. Then my family as well without whom I wouldn't be here today. It's kind of very surreal, for sure. I can't believe that there are only three of us but hopefully onto bigger and better things," Formula One's official website quoted Hamilton as saying.
With this special milestone being achieved in the US, it must have been extra special as people in the country love Hamilton, who receives tremendous support from them.
"I love being here in the States. It very much feels like home and, as I said, we have had some incredible support this weekend, which I'm so thankful for. So a big, big thank you to everyone and the team did a great job this weekend to put us both up there and I'm very proud to be a part of it," Hamilton said.
Talking about the race, Hamilton was in cruise control behind the wheels as he clinched the race without much trouble. After getting a good start, he was in a league of his own. Despite the victory, Hamilton still trails by 26 points, and if Rosberg manages to finish second in all the three remaining races of the season, the German will win the title.
Hamilton does not want to think too much about it, and would rather just concentrate on his performances, and see what happens.
"Honestly, I just focus on doing the best job I can. Honestly today, beyond doing the job... I felt comfortable doing the job, I was just the whole race concerned the car was not going to make it so right, I've been told the line, I was just in fear of the same thing, the same feeling, the sound that I heard in Malaysia, so I was grateful that the car made it across the line and I have a lot more confidence in his reliability. It's going well for him. I've just got to continue to do my job and hope for the bes," Hamilton said.
The Mexican GP is the next race of the season, which will take shape on October 30.
