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AUSTIN, Texas – If Max Verstappen could ever wince in this captivating Formula 1 title fight with Lewis Hamilton, it would have been the final laps of the US Grand Prix on Sunday.
Heading for his first world title, the young Dutchman was pursued by the seven-time champion and Hamilton quickly approached the lead under the hot Texas sun at the Circuit of the Americas.
The intensity of the closest championship race in years might have derailed another driver – particularly when Hamilton pulled within 1 second on the final lap – but Verstappen thrived under pressure and won his eighth race of the season.
“It was exciting, there was a lot of pressure not to know how fast Lewis would get you,” said Verstappen. “In the end we managed to hold out.”
The win doubled Verstappen’s lead over Hamilton to 12 points overall with five races remaining and could prove to be a pivotal victory in this classic championship fight.
Verstappen and Red Bull won on a track where Hamilton and Mercedes have dominated for years – Hamilton is a five-time winner at COTA – and he put Verstappen to work for victory.
Hamilton followed Verstappen for the last 18 laps and maybe he would have caught up with Verstappen and regained the points lead if there had been another lap.
On the way to Mexico City, a Red Bull stronghold, the 24-year-old now has some breathing space.
Hamilton is aiming for an eighth F1 record title and the fifth in a row.
“Congratulations to Max, he did a great job today. It was such a tough race, ”said Hamilton. “They got off to a good start and gave everything, but at the end of the day they just had the upper hand that weekend.”
As Formula 1 popularity explodes in the US, championship rivals delivered a dramatic finish in front of an estimated 140,000 spectators. It was one of the biggest sporting events since the pandemic began, and drew the rich and famous to the Austin circuit.
Celebrities in attendance included actor Ben Stiller, rapper Meghan Thee Stallion, golfer Rory McIlroy and tennis champion Serena Williams, all of whom took part in the pre-race grid. Shaquille O’Neal hosted a post-race DJ dance party and carried the winner’s trophy on the podium, where the 7-foot tall towered over Verstappen and Hamilton.
Sunday was the last race in the Circuit’s original 10-year contract, but the US Grand Prix is on the 2022 race calendar. Track President Bobby Epstein said he was expecting a new long-term deal from F1.
“It’s incredible to be here, but also to see so many (fans) around the track,” said Verstappen before stepping onto the podium as the fans stormed onto the track to celebrate. “Hopefully we can do that for many years to come.”
Hamilton and Verstappen let the temperature rise all weekend. First, Verstappen called Hamilton a “stupid idiot” and showed him the middle finger after an aggressive driving maneuver in Friday practice. Hamilton later dismissed it as “fun and games”. Verstappen then ousted him for pole position on the last lap of qualifying Sunday.
It was all a tough battle for the lead in the first corner on Sunday, because the winner at COTA always comes from the front row. Hamilton quickly jumped past Verstappen and the two swapped the lead four times over 56 laps.
It was a breathless start as Verstappen and Hamilton collided twice this season and the risk of another was high. This time, Verstappen withdrew in the first corner and let Hamilton take the lead “to avoid trouble”. That was the only moment of potential danger for both cars all day.
The drivers didn’t seem to have any harsh feelings from the previous incidents after the race ended. When Hamilton won the championship here in 2015, he carelessly threw his hat to pouting teammate Nico Rosberg.
After the checkered flag on Sunday, Hamilton and Verstappen exchanged punches in the pit lane, then champagne bottles clinked on the podium.
However, Hamilton knows Sunday’s result was a missed win on a cheap track while Verstappen struggles to dethrone him in the championship.
Hamilton admitted that the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, where Verstappen has won twice, is a “very strong track” for Red Bull. So also the next race in Sao Paolo, Brazil, where Verstappen won in 2019.
“It’s going to be tough,” said Hamilton.
Verstappen has had high expectations since he entered Formula 1 for the first time at the age of 17 in 2015. A serial veteran at 36, Hamilton has been the dominant figure in F1 for nearly a decade and has won four championships in a row.
Another Hamilton title will break its connection with Michael Schumacher for most in F1. But he hasn’t had a fight like this for a long time.
After his post-race celebration, Verstappen was back in business quickly. He was so steadfast about the developing title chase in his favor that he stopped Hamilton in the final laps.
“That doesn’t really change much,” said Verstappen. “This is about details. A win doesn’t give me more confidence. We are all confident. We have to determine the details, starting in Mexico. “
Sergio Perez finished third and put both Red Bulls on the podium, but the Mexican drove without access to water and called it one of the most physical races he has ever witnessed.
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