United States Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton believes that Sunday's victory confirmed his status as one of the best drivers in Formula 1.

Sebastian Vettel entered the race as the hot favourite having topped every practice and qualifying session, but the Brit held form to claim the victory.

"I think I stamped my mark on the sport and showed I have the status that the others do. Even though I am not competing for first or second in the Championship I still hold that drive. I just beat the supposed best," he told Sky Sports News.

"I think I have been driving at my best all year, getting stronger and stronger and this was my strongest performance of the year. To be able to push and not make mistakes and to hunt Sebastian down and see him make mistakes is a great feeling.

"They say you are only as good as your last race. It would be nice to be battling for the Championship but that is the way that it is, so I have to be grateful for where I am and what we have achieved. We would have had a lot more wins but for the problems we have had. But this makes the rest disappear and allows us to move forward and smile."

Hamilton, who won the title in 2008, is out of contention for this year's top prize.