Fourth world title beckons for Hamilton

World
Europe

Lewis Hamilton has the Formula 1 title almost in his hands.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel led the opening five laps of the 2017 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix on Sunday, but it was Mercedes' Hamilton who went on to dominate the race, winning by 10 seconds from his title rival.

Hamilton, presented with the winner's trophy by former US president Bill Clinton, now looks sure to finish off the job and become Britain's first four times world champion in Mexico next weekend.

The Mercedes driver's fifth victory in six years at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas extended his lead over Vettel.

Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. /Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters

There are a maximum of 75 points still to be won from the three races remaining.

"I love this track, I think this track is now my favorite to be honest," said Hamilton, interviewed by Usain Bolt on the podium and joining the Olympic sprint champion's signature victory pose.

"A big congratulations to the team. They work so hard back at the factory and here."

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel of Germany leads Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain at the start of the United States Grand Prix. /Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters

The victory was the 62nd of Hamilton's career and his ninth of the season.

The result also means that just fifth place in Mexico will be enough for Hamilton to clinch the 2017 drivers' title, regardless of where Vettel finishes.

"I don't let my mind go there," Hamilton said. "Three races to go, three races to win."

Vettel seemed to face the fact that his title hopes collapsed with his second-place finish in the US Grand Prix.

"It wasn't our race to win," Vettel said. "We tried to fight. We got beaten fair and square."

11463km

Source(s): Reuters ,Xinhua News Agency