But with just eight laps of an eventful grand prix to go, Rosberg ran wide and Hamilton reclaimed the lead.
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Hamilton’s father Anthony and family were not in Austin to see him win the race and take his third title, an absence that the champion addressed by sending messages to them at every opportunity.
In his 44th Formula One win (fitting, as his driver number is 44) Hamilton, overwhelmed with emotion at the end of the 56 lap race, said he owed everything he achieved to his father Anthony. “I remember my first British championship when my dad and I drove home singing “We Are The Champions”.
The win also gives Hamilton his 21st victory over two seasons and 10th this year.
Rosberg ensured a Mercedes one-two was secured, though, and Hamilton now holds an unassailable advantage with three rounds of the season remaining. Rosberg was second and Vettel, who needed to be runner-up to carry the championship into next Sunday’s race in Mexico, was third.
Sir Elton said: “I’m playing tonight, later” and Hamilton replied: “I’m going to be there, I wouldn’t miss it for the world”. It’s hard to believe I’m sat here as a three-time champion. This is his third world title, which takes him level with former drivers Jack Brabham, Jacky Stewart, Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna. The last 10 – 15 laps were extraordinary – it was just a insane, crazy race.
I’m buzzing inside… I can’t find the right words to express the feeling but it’s the greatest I’ve had in my life.
“I was ahead and I had a right to the track there and Lewis just was too aggressive today”. I was in the lead, then I was fourth and the conditions were really tricky.
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“People say that I am possibly the Tiger Woods of Formula One but I am the Lewis Hamilton of Formula One but it is great”. “Nico was really quick in stages, he pitted under the virtual safety auto but never for one second did I think I couldn’t do it”.
