Lewis Hamilton’s wait for a sixth world title will go on to next weekend’s United States Grand Prix despite an impressive victory in Mexico on Sunday.
Hamilton produced an amazing effort to make his tyres last for 48 of the 71-lap race, but after Valtteri Bottas finished third, Hamilton – who needed his Mercedes team-mate to be fifth to be certain of the title – narrowly missed out on being crowned world champion here.
The British driver now needs to finish only eighth in Austin to be absolutely sure of the championship that will move him to within one of Michael Schumacher’s record haul of seven.
Hamilton lined up in third after Verstappen was controversially stripped of his pole. Bottas started in sixth after his Mercedes crew repaired his wrecked car from qualifying. It was touch and go as to whether the Finn would start the race – his car eventually repaired following 24 parts changes and more than seven hours of man power – just 30 minutes before the pit lane opened.
Hamilton roared away from his marks and took a nibble at Vettel on the 800-metre charge to the opening bend.
Vettel afforded Hamilton little to no room, and the Mercedes star was forced to back out. The stewards noted the incident but took no action.
Verstappen, who had started one spot behind Hamilton, then drew alongside the five-time world champion as they broke from 220mph for the first right-hander – but Hamilton had no desire to concede the place.
The Briton slid across the apex of the left-handed second bend, running on to the grass and taking Verstappen with him.
By the time Hamilton had recovered, he had dropped to fifth, but wasted little time in passing the McLaren of Carlos Sainz to move up to fourth.
Vettel was the last of the leaders stop for opening tyres on lap 37. Leclerc would lead, but when he came in for a second time, 10 laps later than his team-mate, Hamilton was promoted to the front.
From there, the reigning champion never looked back, crossing the line 1.7 seconds clear of Vettel.
British teenager Lando Norris retired following a botched pit stop.
