ABU DHABI (REUTERS) - Lewis Hamilton was gracious in defeat after Red Bull rival Max Verstappen ended the Briton’s quest for an unprecedented eighth Formula One title with a safety-car aided, last-lap pass for championship glory at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday (Dec 12). The 36-year-old, who started second alongside pole-sitter Verstappen, appeared to have the race well under control after seizing the lead into the first corner and escaping sanction for staying ahead by taking to the run-off in an opening-lap battle with his Red Bull rival. But a safety car five laps from the end, that handed Verstappen the opportunity to pit for fresh tyres, turned the race on its head and put an end to Hamilton’s hopes of becoming the first driver to win eight world championships. “Firstly, a big congratulations to Max and to his team,”said Hamilton, his eyes moist, after the race. “I think we did an amazing job this year. My team, everyone back at the factory... all the men and women... have worked so hard this whole year. It’s been the most difficult of seasons. “I’m so proud of them, so grateful to be a part of the journey with them,” added the Briton, who has won the title for the last four years in a row and ended the season with eight wins to his Red Bull rival’s 10. But, even as Verstappen celebrated and Hamilton came to terms with defeat, the Briton’s Mercedes team lodged two safety-car related protests. One had to do with Verstappen pulling up alongside and edging ahead of Hamilton; the other with the resumption of racing. Race control initially said the lapped cars, acting as a buffer between Hamilton and Verstappen would not be allowed to overtake, much to Red Bull’s frustration. But they later decided to let only those cars through, putting Verstappen right on Hamilton’s tail for one final flat-out lap, with the Dutchman seizing his chance on his fresh soft tyres to pass Hamilton for the lead. Stewards dismissed both protests. Mercedes lodged their intention to appeal against the dismissal of their protest related to the safety car restart. “We gave it everything, this last part of the season we gave it absolutely everything and we never gave up,” said Hamilton.“That’s the most important thing.” More on this topic Related Story Motor racing: F1 title rivals will be feeling the pressure, says Mercedes' former champ Rosberg Related Story Motor racing: F1 c'ship leader Verstappen on pole in Abu Dhabi finale with Hamilton alongside
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA (AFP) - Lewis Hamilton edged out Max Verstappen to win a chaotic and controversial Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday (Dec 5) to send the title battle to the final race in Abu Dhabi next weekend. Both men are level on points ahead of the decider after an incident-packed street race in Jeddah saw two red flag stoppages. Verstappen picked up a five-second penalty after a controversial move on world champion Hamilton with the British seven-time champion accusing the Dutchman of 'brake-testing' him. Hamilton had sped away from pole position before the balance of power shifted after 10 laps when Mick Schumacher buried his Haas in a barrier. Hamilton and Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas pitted under the safety car but Verstappen stayed out. Four laps later, the race was red-flagged to allow the barriers to be repaired which enabled Verstappen to pit, change tyres and resume the race in the lead. On the restart, Hamilton reclaimed the lead but claimed he was forced off the track by Verstappen. Moments later there was another red flag as Sergio Perez, George Russell and Nikita Mazepin all collided at the rear of the field. The stewards decided that Verstappen's manoeuvre was illegal and promoted Alpine's Esteban Ocon to pole for the third start of the race, with Hamilton in second and Verstappen in third. Amazingly, Verstappen then took the lead again with Hamilton following through. However the drama and controversy continued when they collided late in the race. Hamilton said he had been brake-tested and Verstappen was penalised by the stewards before the Briton swept past and onto victory. Bottas was third in his penultimate race for Mercedes. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Hamilton reprimanded and Mercedes fined at Saudi GP Related Story Formula One: Hamilton hits ‘sweet’ spot to claim inaugural Qatar GP pole
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA (REUTERS) - Max Verstappen was left disappointed on Saturday (Dec 4) after a last-gasp mistake in the dying seconds of qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix cost him pole and dealt a blow to his chances of wrapping up a maiden Formula One title with a race to spare. The Dutchman had produced a stunning display under the floodlights, dancing his Red Bull right up against the walls lining the 6.1km-long Jeddah street track's high-speed sweeps. He was comfortably on course to seize the fastest lap from title rival and provisional pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton until he pushed a touch too far, clouting the wall on the exit of the final corner after locking up on the way in, and was forced to settle for third place. The contact broke Verstappen's rear suspension and may have damaged his gearbox, which could cost him five places on the grid if it needs to be changed. It also allowed Mercedes to lock out the front row, with Valtteri Bottas second alongside Hamilton. "I was really enjoying it and then not to finish it is extremely disappointing, especially now, in this fight, you want to start first," said Verstappen, who was 0.244 seconds ahead of Hamilton's time when he crashed and instead ended up 0.142 seconds adrift of the Briton. "I saw it was a good lap, I was three-tenths faster on my delta. I thought last corner there might be still a bit to gain. "I approached it like I always do in qualifying but now somehow I just locked up and I have to see if I actually braked later or not, for my feeling is I didn't." Verstappen leads Hamilton by eight points in the overall standings and can clinch the title on Sunday if he finishes in the top two with other permutations working in his favour. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Hamilton on Saudi GP pole as Verstappen slips to third Related Story Formula One: Hamilton chasing hat-trick to set up last-race showdown But a third-place finish, with Hamilton first and scoring the extra point for fastest lap, would see the Briton draw level on points, setting up a winner-takes-all last-race duel in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen is confident Red Bull have the pace to challenge Mercedes on Sunday and will be going for the win rather than damage limitation. "Of course I would have liked to start first," he said."Starting third is a bit more difficult but definitely not impossible." More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Hamilton reprimanded and Mercedes fined at Saudi GP Related Story Formula One: Hamilton dominates practice on new circuit in Saudi Arabia
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA (REUTERS) - Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton made the early running on the new track in Jeddah as he clocked the fastest time in both practice sessions on Friday (Dec 3) for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver, who will race in support of human rights and the LGBTQ+ community this weekend by wearing a rainbow-coloured helmet, posted a quickest time of 1min 29.786secs in the first session on the new street circuit. He later eclipsed that with 1min 29.018secs under the lights in the curtailed second session. It was the first time that the drivers had come up against the new Jeddah Corniche circuit with its series of high-speed bends which proved too much for Charles Leclerc who ploughed his Ferrari into the wall at Turn 22 towards the end of the second session. The Monegasque, who still pulled the 10th fastest time, confirmed he was okay over the radio but the session was red flagged and was not resumed. Other drivers appeared to give the thumbs-up to the new track. “This track is cool,” Valtteri Bottas told Mercedes engineers during the first session before clocking the day’s second quickest time of 1min 29.079secs, just 0.61secs behind his teammate. AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly was third quickest, ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who went round in 1min 29.213secs. Verstappen takes an eight-point lead over Hamilton into the penultimate race of the season and could potentially win the title on Sunday. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Title rivals Verstappen, Hamilton play it cool ahead of crunch Saudi GP Related Story Formula One: Hamilton chasing hat-trick to set up last-race showdown Hamilton has won the last two races in Brazil and Qatar to trim Verstappen’s advantage but if the Dutchman wins on Sunday and Hamilton finishes outside the top six it will be the Red Bull man who takes his crown. The Alpines of Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon were fifth and sixth quickest, ahead of the other Ferrari of Carlos Sainz, Yuki Tsunoda in the second AlphaTauri and Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez who appeared to struggle with the circuit. Qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place on Saturday from 1700GMT (1am on Sunday, Singapore time). More on this topic Related Story Motor racing: First Saudi female racer named ambassador for maiden F1 GP Related Story In The Driver's Seat: Evergreen Alonso serves up reminder of his driving ability
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA (REUTERS) - Max Verstappen cut an unfazed figure on Thursday (Dec 2) heading into the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a race which could bring the Red Bull driver a maiden Formula One world title. Verstappen leads Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton by eight points in the standings heading into the season's penultimate race around the Red Sea city of Jeddah. The 24-year-old Dutchman, who burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old prodigy in 2015, needs to finish at least second and for other results to go his way to clinch his long-awaited maiden title with a race to spare. But you wouldn't know it. "Like I've done the whole season," Verstappen told reporters in deadpan style when asked how he was approaching the Saudi Arabian race. "I've always been very neutral, not read positive, negative things or in general not read too many things and be busy with other things in life." "I think that helps a lot," he added. Hamilton, gunning for a hat-trick of victories with the momentum having swung his way after resounding wins in Qatar and Brazil, looked similarly relaxed. The 36-year-old seven-times world champion has experienced five down-to-the-wire title battles but is also exploring uncharted territory in his search for an unprecedented eighth world crown, which he acknowledged would count as his most meaningful. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Hamilton chasing hat-trick to set up last-race showdown Related Story Formula One: Hamilton wins in Qatar with Verstappen second "It's different in one sense because we've got two incredibly close teams, it's different because we're fighting for uncharted territory, no one's ever won eight titles, team or driver, so that's quite fresh and new," said Hamilton, who will leave Saudi Arabia level on points with Verstappen to set up a winner takes all Abu Dhabi finale if he wins with the fastest lap ahead of the Dutchman. "Then on the other side I'm more relaxed than I've ever been. I remember how it was my first championship and even my second and third, the sleepless nights and all those sorts of things. "Obviously, (I'm) a lot more sure about myself and just applied myself better than ever before. All I can do is prepare the best I can for what's up ahead of me and I 100 per cent know I have." More on this topic Related Story Motor racing: First Saudi female racer named ambassador for maiden F1 GP Related Story In The Driver's Seat: Evergreen Alonso serves up reminder of his driving ability
DOHA (AFP) - Max Verstappen was in bullish mood on Thursday (Nov 18), declaring his heated Formula One title battle with Lewis Hamilton was no "kindergarten" and that he would continue his aggressive approach in this weekend's inaugural Qatar Grand Prix. The 24-year-old championship leader defended so fiercely in last Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix that he forced the seven-time world champion off the Interlagos track. That incident was under scrutiny as he spoke on Thursday as a stewards' review took place at the Losail International Circuit where the Red Bull and Mercedes teams were again locked in conflict. Verstappen was not surprised, he said, that Mercedes had asked for the review, but made clear he would react in just the same way again as he had on Lap 41 in Sao Paulo to retain the lead. Hamilton eventually found his way past and went on to claim an epic victory that trimmed the Dutchman's lead to 14 points with three races remaining. The incident was not deemed worthy of further action last Sunday, but the release of Verstappen's on-board video persuaded Mercedes that a review was necessary. But Verstappen was not impressed. "If it would have been the other way around in Brazil, it would have exactly played out like that," he said, suggesting that Hamilton can be just as brutal when required. "Yeah, it's hard racing, we are fighting for a championship. We are not here to be in a kindergarten. I thought it was a great battle and I had a lot of fun as well out there. "As a driver, I think we know exactly what we can or cannot do in a car and we were fighting hard, braking late into the corner and the tyres were quite worn. "If I would have turned more abruptly to the left, you'd just spin off the track. At the end of the day, they won the race, fair enough. They were faster than us, but I thought it was a good battle." As Mercedes launched their request for a review, Red Bull continued to grumble about the power of Hamilton's new power unit and the rear wing of his car, which had been deemed irregular in Brazil and led to him losing pole position. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Hamilton not wasting energy on Brazil GP flashpoint review Related Story Formula One: Hamilton and Verstappen take a step into the unknown
DOHA (AFP) - Lewis Hamilton on Thursday (Nov 18) distanced himself from his Mercedes team's request for a stewards' review of a flashpoint incident in last Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix when Max Verstappen forced him off the track. Speaking to reporters ahead of this weekend's inaugural Qatar Grand Prix, the defending seven-time world champion revealed he had not been part of the process and, instead, was preserving his energy. "I haven't been part of it," said Hamilton, who delivered a spectacular against-the-odds victory to trim his Red Bull rival's championship advantage to 14 points, with three races remaining. "Of course, I am aware of it and I am fully supportive of my team, but I am literally just trying to give all of my energy into this weekend, making sure we arrive and hit the ground running. "I have no idea where they are going with the discussion or what could be the outcome. I am just not giving any energy or time at all." Hamilton spoke during a round of news conferences ahead of Sunday's race at the Losail International Circuit, being used by Formula One for the first time, where the review discussions were taking place. The incident under scrutiny came on the 48th lap of the 71-lap contest in Sao Paulo as Hamilton attempted to overtake Verstappen for the race lead at turn four. The Dutchman defended his position vigorously and both cars ran off the circuit and across a run-off area. The race stewards reviewed the incident and decided to take no further action, but the later release of on-board video from Verstappen's car led to Mercedes requesting the review, citing new evidence. Hamilton passed Verstappen later in the race at the third attempt to win, having overcome combined penalties that meant he had in effect passed every other driver to triumph after having had his pole position lap in Friday's qualifying annulled. He explained on Thursday that he felt the incident was typical of a closely-fought battle for the championship and that he had no complaints. On-board footage "The reason I said that was because that is just the mentality you have to take. If you sit in the car and complain, it will only hold you back so in the moment I just had to keep moving forwards. "Also, it is difficult to judge on something you have not seen all the angles. We looked at them and we have a different viewpoint now." Asked to elaborate, he added: "Honestly, it is not something I really want to dive too much into. I haven't looked at all of the angles, I have seen the on-board footage, for example, that came out. "I am just trying to focus on the fact that we did something remarkable and unexpected... and just trying not to focus on any negatives. Right now, the team are in discussion, so I am just leaving them to it." More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Hamilton and Verstappen take a step into the unknown Related Story Formula One: 'Angry' Wolff demands review of Verstappen incident in Brazil Verstappen was bullish in his responses to similar questions on Thursday and made clear he would take the same defensive actions again. He said that if he had attempted to turn in and avoid any incident, he would have spun off. "I didn't need to look at the footage because I was driving the car so I knew exactly what happened," he said drily, adding that he was "not really surprised" that Mercedes had launched a review process. The Dutchman added that he was not concerned by the prospect of being handed a penalty that could reduce his points lead in the title race. "I don't even think about that," he said. "If it happens, it's not the end of the world, but again I don't expect that to happen because I thought it was fair and hard racing between the two guys who are fighting for the championship." More on this topic Related Story In the Driver's Seat: Stewards' decisions baffle at Sao Paulo Grand Prix Related Story Formula One: Hamilton wins in Brazil after all-time great drive, Verstappen second
DOHA (REUTERS) - Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen take their title battle into the unknown this weekend as Qatar hosts a Formula One grand prix for the first time at a track better known for two-wheeled thrills. The last of three races on successive weekends from Mexico via Brazil, Qatar also starts a final run of three in the Middle East to decide whether Mercedes' Hamilton wins a record eighth championship or Red Bull's Verstappen takes his first. Hamilton slashed the gap to 14 points after overcoming a series of setbacks with one of his finest career victories at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit last Sunday. Brazil was marked by suspicion and controversy, and that is set to continue at the 20th race of the season with Mercedes seeking a stewards' review of a defensive move by Verstappen that forced Hamilton off track. Meanwhile, fans will be on tenterhooks for the next instalment of the battle between two adversaries driving hard and at their best. "We're seeing a titanic battle for this year's two championships, and the race in Brazil was just another twist in an engrossing tale," said Formula One's managing director Ross Brawn. "Mercedes had the edge (in Brazil), but it could swing back into Red Bull's favour next time. It's been fantastic. No one knows what will happen next." Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said his team would come out fighting. "The final race of a triple-header can sometimes test your energy levels but with just three races to decide both championships, our motivation is greater than ever," added the Austrian. "Our focus is on channelling it in the most effective way." Mercedes are 11 points clear of Red Bull in the constructors' championship. Qatar's Losail circuit near Doha has regularly hosted MotoGP's season-opening race and is fast and flowing with a mix of medium and high-speed corners and a one km long main straight. It will be followed by another new venue in Saudi Arabia, a street circuit in Jeddah, before the final in Abu Dhabi where changes have been made to the track since the last time Formula One raced there. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Audi exploring entry into F1 racing Related Story Formula One: 'Angry' Wolff demands review of Verstappen incident in Brazil "I think I've only been to Qatar once for a prize giving so I'm looking forward to going back," said Verstappen. "Hopefully, we can perform well there. It always looks cool when we see MotoGP race there." Verstappen's Mexican team mate Sergio Perez has raced previously at Losail, having won there in the GP2 Asia series in 2009. Alpine racing director Davide Brivio has far more experience, having joined the Renault-owned team from MotoGP champions Suzuki last January. More on this topic Related Story Motor racing: First Chinese driver is huge for Alfa and F1, says Vasseur Related Story In the Driver's Seat: Stewards' decisions baffle at Sao Paulo Grand Prix
SAO PAULO (AFP) - Lewis Hamilton won the Brazil Grand Prix on Sunday (Nov 14) in one of his all-time great drives from 10th on the grid with championship leader Max Verstappen second. With three races of the season remaining, Hamilton cut his Dutch rival's lead to 14 points. The Mercedes seven-time world champion's teammate Valtteri Bottas, who started on pole, took third. With his car fitted with a new engine, Hamilton produced a peerless drive to overcome penalty points after his car was judged to have breached technical rules on Friday. That saw him demoted from pole to last in Saturday's sprint race where he took fifth to leave him 10th in Sunday's Interlagos grid after another penalty for what Mercedes hoped would be their trump card now under the bonnet. "What a race. The team did a great job, Valtteri did a great job. With the penalties, it's the hardest race weekend I've had," said Hamilton. Bottas managed to hold Verstappen, starting alongside him on the second row, at the first bend but the Red Bull driver took the lead shortly after. Hamilton was picking off the cars ahead of him with ominous ease and after both had pitted twice Hamilton surged past Verstappen on lap 59 to seal the race and revive his bid for a record eighth drivers' title. Qatar stages the next chapter of 2021's gripping title battle next Sunday. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Constructors' title most important, says Hamilton, who takes five-spot grid penalty Related Story Formula One: Lewis Hamilton credits halo for saving his life in crash
SAO PAULO (REUTERS) - Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas won a sprint race for pole position at the Sao Paulo Formula One Grand Prix on Saturday (Nov 13) as Red Bull's Max Verstappen extended his championship lead to 21 points. Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton charged from last on the grid, after his car failed a technical inspection on Friday, to fifth and will start 10th on Sunday after a five place penalty for an engine change. "It's not over yet," Hamilton told Mercedes over the team radio after a sensational, aggressive drive that saw him gain 15 positions in 24 laps. He finished with a flourish, sweeping past the McLaren of fellow-Briton Lando Norris on the last lap as the crowd stood and cheered. "I honestly had no idea what was possible. I didn't set a limit or a maximum," said Hamilton. "Then all of a sudden I was chipping away at it much faster... you can't give up, you've just got to keep pushing." Bottas took three points for the sprint win, stretching Mercedes' lead over Red Bull in the constructors' standings to two points. Verstappen, who had lined up at the front of the grid, lost out to Bottas at the start and had to settle for second place and two points. "The start was the key thing for me," said Bottas. "We gambled a bit with the soft tyre, we knew it would be a benefit at the start and it worked." More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Verstappen fined over $70,000 for touching Hamilton's car Related Story Formula One: Hamilton to take five place grid penalty in Brazil Carlos Sainz was third for Ferrari and took the final point available. Sunday's race will be three times longer and Hamilton, with a fresher engine than those ahead of him, will be targeting the podium. "Brilliant drive. Damage limitation," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: One is magic number as Verstappen ignores title talk Related Story Formula One: Verstappen can sprint further clear of Hamilton in Brazil
SAO PAULO (REUTERS) - Lewis Hamilton stayed onside with his Brazilian fans on Wednesday (Nov 10) by calling up soccer star Neymar ahead of a big weekend for the Briton's bid for a record eighth Formula One championship. The Mercedes driver told reporters he hoped to watch his friend in a World Cup qualifier between five times champions Brazil and Colombia at the home of Sao Paulo's Corinthians on Thursday night. "I'm very much in contact with Neymar, quite often, we were just talking actually earlier today," explained the Briton at a news conference for team sponsor Petronas. "I know he's playing tomorrow, I really want to go and watch the game." Paris St Germain forward Neymar and Hamilton have hung out on several occasions in the past, with the Brazilian once referring to the Formula One champion as a 'brother from another mother'. Formula One has only media duties on Thursday with the action getting under way on Friday, with practice and a qualifying session for Saturday's sprint race. Hamilton is 19 points adrift of Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the championship with four races remaining, including Interlagos. Mercedes are only a point ahead of Red Bull in the constructors' championship. This season has been one of the closest and hard-fought of recent years, with the lead swinging between the two contenders, and Hamilton hoped next year could be even more competitive with new rules and cars. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Verstappen can sprint further clear of Hamilton in Brazil Related Story Formula One: F1 bans bodyguards from the grid after Brundle incident He said that should make a difference when it came to getting more grip from the tyres and also reducing the turbulence of following another car. "They have developed this new car so you can use less downforce while following another car, so we are really hoping that the racing is going be the best that Formula One has ever seen," he said. The new cars will feature larger 18 inch wheels with covers and simpler front and rear wings designed to make it easier for drivers to overtake. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Hamilton clarifies his Mexico GP comments about Bottas, Perez Related Story In the Driver's Seat: Red Bull turn on the heat at the right moment
MEXICO CITY (AFP) - Max Verstappen cruised to victory in the Mexico Grand Prix on Sunday (Nov 7) as his closest challenger in the title race, Lewis Hamilton clung on to finish second. The Dutch Red Bull driver overtook reigning champion Hamilton and the second Mercedes driven by pole-sitting Valtteri Bottas on the first corner and sped away. Hamilton ended the race battling to hold off Mexican driver Sergio Perez who finished third in the other Red Bull to the delight of the huge crowd. “Their car is far superior this weekend and there was nothing we could really do about it,” said Hamilton. Verstappen finished 16.555sec ahead of Hamilton with Perez just over a second further back. The Dutchman increased his lead in the world championship to 19 points from Hamilton with four races left. “There’s still a long way to go,” Verstappen said. “It’s of course looking good but also it can turn around very quickly.” Frenchman Pierre Gasly was fourth in an AlphaTauri followed by the Ferraris of Monegasque Charles LeClerc and Spaniard Carlos Sainz. More on this topic Related Story Motor racing: Verstappen holds off Hamilton to win US Grand Prix thriller Related Story Formula One: I will win or lose the title in the right way, says Hamilton
MEXICO CITY (AFP) - Max Verstappen dominated practice at the Mexico Grand Prix on Friday (Nov 5), ending the session over a half a second ahead of world champion and title rival Lewis Hamilton. The Dutch Red Bull driver, who has a 12-point lead over Hamilton in the championship with five races left, clocked a blistering 1min 17.301sec. That was 0.424sec ahead of Valtteri Bottas and 0.509sec faster than Hamilton in the second Mercedes. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, racing in front of his home fans at the spectacular Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, was fourth at 0.570sec behind his teammate. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, 1.017sec back from two-time Mexico GP winner Verstappen, filled out the top five. “It was a solid session for us,” Red Bull boss Christian Horner told Sky Sports. “Both drivers are starting to find a setup that they’re liking, the short runs and long runs look reasonable. “I think Mercedes have still got a bit in the pocket so I don’t think we’ve seen their full potential, but focusing on ourselves it was a reasonable day.” Bottas had edged out Hamilton in the morning session in a best time of 1min 18.341sec, mastering the tricky, dusty conditions. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: I will win or lose the title in the right way, says Hamilton Related Story Motor racing: Verstappen calm on Covid-19 threat to F1 title but Hamilton wary Verstappen and Perez had been third and fourth fastest respectively at 0.123sec and 0.269sec. Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen in an Alfa Romeo, meanwhile, were put under investigation for not having followed the instructions of the race director to rejoin the track after coming off at the first turn. Both men escaped with a reprimand. Lance Stroll of Aston Martin and Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda of AlphaTauri will start from the back of the grid in Sunday’s race for taking too many engine parts after both also changed engines. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: 'Red Bull want me to win in Mexico,' says home star Perez Related Story Formula One: Title race stacking up in favour of Red Bull's Max Verstappen
MEXICO CITY (REUTERS) - Formula One world champions Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen collected reprimands on Friday (Nov 5) for going off track and then failing to return correctly in first practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix. Three reprimands in the course of a season trigger a 10-place grid penalty but Friday's was a first of 2021 for both drivers. Stewards found Mercedes' Hamilton, the sport's most successful driver of all time, and Alfa Romeo's Raikkonen, who holds the record for race starts, had gone off to the left between turns one and two before rejoining. They should have rejoined to the left of a bollard at turn three, according to the race director's instruction, but failed to do so. Seven-times world champion Hamilton is 12 points behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen with five races remaining. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Verstappen dominates Hamilton in Mexico Grand Prix practice Related Story Formula One: I will win or lose the title in the right way, says Hamilton
AUSTIN (AFP) - Max Verstappen held off a charging Lewis Hamilton to win the United States Grand Prix on Sunday (Oct 24) and extend his Formula One world championship lead to 12 points. Verstappen, in a Red Bull, claimed his first victory at the Circuit of the Americas in front of 140,000 fans. Mercedes star Hamilton, the reigning world champion, had cut the deficit in the race to under a second on the penultimate lap but could not find a way through the Dutchman's impressive defence. Sergio Perez completed the podium for Red Bull ahead of Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari and McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo. The victory by 1.33 seconds was Verstappen's eighth of the season at a track where Hamilton had won five times. "I think I've aged about 25 years in that race," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. "I really didn't think we were going to hang on." Hamilton admitted Red Bull were stronger. "Max did a great job today," he said on the podium. "It was such a tough race. I got a good start, gave it absolutely everything but at the end of the day, they just had the upper hand this weekend and we couldn't really have asked for more." Hamilton, starting second on the grid, stunned pole-sitter Vertsappen at the start. The Briton edged ahead at the first turn and stayed in front for 10 laps until Red Bull pulled off what they hoped would be a tactical coup. "He's sliding a lot and I have a lot more pace," Verstappen told his team over the radio. By calling in the Dutchman, who had a sluggish Hamilton in his sights, for an early pit stop, he was able to under-cut the champion. By the time Hamilton had pitted and reappeared, Verstappen had constructed a 6.7-second lead. "We pulled the trigger early, but Max is doing a good job," Horner told Sky Sports from the pit wall. "It's like a game of chess this race. You can rest assured there's not much in it between the teams." Hamilton closes in Hamilton consistently chipped away at the lead and by half-distance in the 56-lap race, he had slashed the deficit to 3.3 seconds. His efforts were further aided by a virtual safety car period called so marshals could collect some debris off the track. Again Verstappen pitted for a second stop, relinquishing the lead to Hamilton. That's 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ podiums for @redbullracing 🤯👏And, @Max33Verstappen's very first win in America! 🏆#USGP 🇺🇸 #F1 pic.twitter.com/rC2YIrFZkr— Formula 1 (@F1) October 24, 2021 When he returned, Perez conceded track position to allow the Dutch driver to slip into second spot, albeit more than 16 seconds back from the seven-time champion. "This race is all going to be about the last five laps so we'll see how it pans out," Horner said. "The pace was just starting to drop off and with three seconds behind there was a chance for an undercut." Behind Perez, as the race entered the last 20 laps, Leclerc and Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas were scrapping over fourth place. At the back, Pierre Gasly, who had started on the fourth row, was forced to retire when the suspension failed on his AlphaTauri. Both Alpines of Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon were also soon forced into an early finish. On lap 37, Hamilton pitted for the second time as Verstappen again inherited the lead with an 8.45sec advantage. More on this topic Related Story Formula One: Verstappen calls Hamilton a 'stupid idiot' as F1 rivals clash Related Story In The Driver's Seat: Hamilton's instincts paid off in Istanbul in 2020, but not this time The British driver ate away at the advantage, aided by Verstappen running into a wall of backmarkers. With 10 laps left, the gap was down to 2.3sec while Perez was a distant third almost 30 seconds off the lead. However, Verstappen held on under intense pressure over the last two laps to secure a crucial victory.