F1 US Grand Prix: Hamilton seals title with race win

Lewis Hamilton prevailed in a topsy-turvy United States Grand Prix that saw four safety car periods and fierce battles for the lead and the podium positions to clinch the 2015 drivers’ world championship. Hamilton's third career title makes him the tenth driver in F1 history to win three or more championships along with Michael Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, Sebastian Vettel, Jack Brabham, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna.

After the torrential downpour, a drying track laid foundation to what was arguably the most enthralling race of the season. The changing conditions were one of the reasons why eight cars failed to make it to the chequered flag, with the resultant precaution periods changing the complexion of the race each time.

In the end, it was Hamilton who stood on the top step of the podium, after teammate Nico Rosberg ran wide from the lead of the race. Sebastian Vettel took the final step on the rostrum, having been in serious contention for victory at one stage of the race.

Behind, Max Verstappen finished an excellent fourth for Toro Rosso, with teammate Carlos Sainz finishing not far behind in sixth place, having started from the rear of the field. The Spaniard made major inroads during the first part of the race, allowing him to negate a five second penalty later handed for exceeding the pitlane speed limit.

Between the two Toro Rosso drivers, Russia podium finisher Sergio Perez was classified in fifth place. The Mexican pitted under the first ‘real’ safety car period and managed to keep life in the tyres till the chequered flag.

Meanwhile, a late final pit stop for Jenson Button allowed him to finish in seventh place, behind the aforementioned Sainz. Pastor Maldonado piloted the remaining Lotus to eighth place, ahead of the Sauber of Felipe Nasr.

Daniel Ricciardo emerged as the early leader after overtaking the two Mercedes drivers, but fell backwards as the conditions eased off. A contact with Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg damaged his Red Bull, putting him out of contention for higher points scoring positions. The Australian eventually collected the final championship point, after a late pass over Fernando Alonso, who complained of lack of power from the Honda engine on the back of his McLaren.

F1 US Grand Prix - Race Results

1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) +2.850
3. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) +3.381
4. Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso) +22.359
5. Sergio Perez (Force India) +24.413
6. Carlos Sainz (Toro Rosso) +25.619
7. Jenson Button (McLaren) +28.058
8. Pastor Maldonado (Lotus) +32.273
9. Felipe Nasr (Sauber) +40.257
10. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) +53.371