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Lewis Hamilton fastest in United States GP practice
By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Austin
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The US GP is live across the BBC Sport website and radio 5 live
Lewis Hamilton started his United States Grand Prix weekend in the best possible way with an impressive performance in first practice.
Hamilton, who must beat Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg at the Circuit of the Americas on Sunday to close a 33-point deficit, was comfortably fastest.
The world champion ended up 0.315 seconds quicker than Rosberg after being fastest throughout the session.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen was third fastest but two seconds off the pace.
The Dutchman, however, set his fastest time on the medium tyre while Mercedes used the soft, which is in the region of a second a lap faster.
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Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: How the 2016 title may be decided
On the Mercedes drivers' first runs, done on super-soft tyres, Hamilton was a second faster than Rosberg on their first laps, half a second quicker on their second runs and 0.3secs quicker on their third laps.
He then maintained his superiority on their second runs on the soft tyres in a session held in beautiful Texan autumn sunshine but a strong wind.
The others a mile off so far
Verstappen's third fastest time was an impressive lap on the medium tyre, while Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in fourth was 0.028secs adrift on the soft tyre.
Trailing them by 0.3secs and separated by a similarly tight margin were the Force India of Nico Hulkenberg, who it was announced earlier this week would be joining Renault next season, and Valtteri Bottas' Williams.
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'Cowboy walks into a hairdresser's' - Vettel's bad joke
Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo was seventh and a chunky 0.6secs slower than Verstappen. Some, but not all, of that margin was accounted for by a difference in engine performance.
A new British face
Englishman Jordan King made his grand prix weekend debut for the Manor team and was 19th fastest on the soft tyre.
That put him 1.8secs quicker than team-mate and regular race driver Esteban Ocon, who ran only on the medium tyre.
Jenson Button was 18th for McLaren, with team-mate Fernando Alonso 13th.
Swami
By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Austin
- 55 minutes ago
- From the section Formula 1
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The US GP is live across the BBC Sport website and radio 5 live
Lewis Hamilton started his United States Grand Prix weekend in the best possible way with an impressive performance in first practice.
Hamilton, who must beat Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg at the Circuit of the Americas on Sunday to close a 33-point deficit, was comfortably fastest.
The world champion ended up 0.315 seconds quicker than Rosberg after being fastest throughout the session.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen was third fastest but two seconds off the pace.
The Dutchman, however, set his fastest time on the medium tyre while Mercedes used the soft, which is in the region of a second a lap faster.
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Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: How the 2016 title may be decided
On the Mercedes drivers' first runs, done on super-soft tyres, Hamilton was a second faster than Rosberg on their first laps, half a second quicker on their second runs and 0.3secs quicker on their third laps.
He then maintained his superiority on their second runs on the soft tyres in a session held in beautiful Texan autumn sunshine but a strong wind.
The others a mile off so far
Verstappen's third fastest time was an impressive lap on the medium tyre, while Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in fourth was 0.028secs adrift on the soft tyre.
Trailing them by 0.3secs and separated by a similarly tight margin were the Force India of Nico Hulkenberg, who it was announced earlier this week would be joining Renault next season, and Valtteri Bottas' Williams.
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'Cowboy walks into a hairdresser's' - Vettel's bad joke
Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo was seventh and a chunky 0.6secs slower than Verstappen. Some, but not all, of that margin was accounted for by a difference in engine performance.
A new British face
Englishman Jordan King made his grand prix weekend debut for the Manor team and was 19th fastest on the soft tyre.
That put him 1.8secs quicker than team-mate and regular race driver Esteban Ocon, who ran only on the medium tyre.
Jenson Button was 18th for McLaren, with team-mate Fernando Alonso 13th.
Swami
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Nico Rosberg beats Lewis Hamilton in United States GP practice
By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Austin
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37735645
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The United States Grand Prix is live across the BBC Sport website and Radio 5 live
Lewis Hamilton was only third fastest in second practice at the US Grand Prix as Mercedes team-mate and title rival Nico Rosberg set the pace.
Hamilton was 0.291 seconds slower than Rosberg, with Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo splitting the Mercedes.
Rosberg heads Hamilton by 33 points in the championship with 100 still available in the remaining four races.
Hamilton badly needs to win in Austin in Sunday to revive his rapidly faltering hopes of retaining his title.
Final practice is at 16:00 BST on Saturday, with qualifying at 19:00.
Hamilton stays in touch
The world champion was fastest in first practice, in which he was impressive in setting a rapid initial pace and maintaining an advantage throughout as Rosberg closed in.
Breaking America: Hamilton fans were evident in Austin
But his qualifying simulation run on the super-soft tyre did not go as well.
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Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: How the 2016 title may be decided
McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso were eighth and ninth, ahead of Vettel's team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, who made a mistake on his flying lap.
The Finn incurred the wrath of both Alonso and Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat, who both felt he was obstructive on track at various points of the session.
Renault's Jolyon Palmer, fighting for his future in F1, had a spin and managed 17th fastest time, five places and 0.2secs behind team-mate Kevin Magnussen.
US Grand Prix Second practice
US Grand Prix coverage details
"Can you put me down, please?" Hamilton's dog made an appearance in the paddock
Rosberg leads Hamilton by 33 points in the drivers' title - Hamilton must win in Austin to keep in touch
The Circuit of the Americas has been the home of F1 in the US since 2012
Daniel Ricciardo got in the spirit by showing off some US-themed shoes during the previews
Swami
By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Austin
- 21 Oct
- From the section Formula 1
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The United States Grand Prix is live across the BBC Sport website and Radio 5 live
Lewis Hamilton was only third fastest in second practice at the US Grand Prix as Mercedes team-mate and title rival Nico Rosberg set the pace.
Hamilton was 0.291 seconds slower than Rosberg, with Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo splitting the Mercedes.
Rosberg heads Hamilton by 33 points in the championship with 100 still available in the remaining four races.
Hamilton badly needs to win in Austin in Sunday to revive his rapidly faltering hopes of retaining his title.
Final practice is at 16:00 BST on Saturday, with qualifying at 19:00.
Hamilton stays in touch
The world champion was fastest in first practice, in which he was impressive in setting a rapid initial pace and maintaining an advantage throughout as Rosberg closed in.
Breaking America: Hamilton fans were evident in Austin
- Read more: McLaren bid to remove chairman Ron Dennis
- Hamilton must win in 'weird' Austin to keep pressure on Rosberg
But his qualifying simulation run on the super-soft tyre did not go as well.
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Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: How the 2016 title may be decided
McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso were eighth and ninth, ahead of Vettel's team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, who made a mistake on his flying lap.
The Finn incurred the wrath of both Alonso and Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat, who both felt he was obstructive on track at various points of the session.
Renault's Jolyon Palmer, fighting for his future in F1, had a spin and managed 17th fastest time, five places and 0.2secs behind team-mate Kevin Magnussen.
US Grand Prix Second practice
US Grand Prix coverage details
"Can you put me down, please?" Hamilton's dog made an appearance in the paddock
Rosberg leads Hamilton by 33 points in the drivers' title - Hamilton must win in Austin to keep in touch
The Circuit of the Americas has been the home of F1 in the US since 2012
Daniel Ricciardo got in the spirit by showing off some US-themed shoes during the previews
Swami
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Red Bull head Mercedes in United States GP practice
By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Austin
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37740917
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Qualifying is live on the BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo were faster than the Mercedes in final practice at the United States Grand Prix.
Neither Mercedes driver completed a final lap on the fastest super-soft tyres and Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg ended up fourth and fifth.
Championship leader Rosberg aborted his final lap while Hamilton was sent out late and got held up by a Sauber.
Hamilton told his team over the radio: "Really poor timing, guys."
Red Bull were paid a visit from skateboarder Ryan Sheckler - but did they clock the Mercedes tattoo on the right knee?
It means Hamilton has not had a chance to simulate a qualifying lap ahead of one of the most crucial sessions of his season as he heads into the race this weekend 33 points adrift of Rosberg in the championship with 100 points still available in the remaining four races.
Hamilton really needs to beat Rosberg to keep his title hopes realistically alive this weekend.
The world champion's engineering crew sent him out for his final run at the very last minute, but as he neared the end of his warm-up lap he came up behind Sauber's Felipe Nasr.
Hamilton backed off to give himself some room to start the lap on the limit and only just made it across the line before the chequered flag fell. Even so, he caught the Brazilian halfway around the lap and had to back off.
That left Verstappen quickest by 0.266 seconds from Ricciardo and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in third place 0.518secs adrift.
Lewis Hamilton gave actor Christoph Waltz a tour of the garage before taking to the track
The impression - and that is all it can be after such a disjointed session - is that Red Bull are quick enough to put Mercedes under pressure when qualifying starts at 13:00 local time (19:00 BST).
However, Mercedes have the ability to turn their engine up further for qualifying and have usually had enough pace to stretch their legs and take pole position.
Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel was sixth quickest, ahead of Force India's Nico Hulkenberg, Williams' Valtteri Bottas and the McLarens of Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso.
Swami
By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Austin
- 1 hour ago
- From the section Formula 1
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Qualifying is live on the BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo were faster than the Mercedes in final practice at the United States Grand Prix.
Neither Mercedes driver completed a final lap on the fastest super-soft tyres and Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg ended up fourth and fifth.
Championship leader Rosberg aborted his final lap while Hamilton was sent out late and got held up by a Sauber.
Hamilton told his team over the radio: "Really poor timing, guys."
Red Bull were paid a visit from skateboarder Ryan Sheckler - but did they clock the Mercedes tattoo on the right knee?
It means Hamilton has not had a chance to simulate a qualifying lap ahead of one of the most crucial sessions of his season as he heads into the race this weekend 33 points adrift of Rosberg in the championship with 100 points still available in the remaining four races.
Hamilton really needs to beat Rosberg to keep his title hopes realistically alive this weekend.
The world champion's engineering crew sent him out for his final run at the very last minute, but as he neared the end of his warm-up lap he came up behind Sauber's Felipe Nasr.
Hamilton backed off to give himself some room to start the lap on the limit and only just made it across the line before the chequered flag fell. Even so, he caught the Brazilian halfway around the lap and had to back off.
That left Verstappen quickest by 0.266 seconds from Ricciardo and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in third place 0.518secs adrift.
Lewis Hamilton gave actor Christoph Waltz a tour of the garage before taking to the track
The impression - and that is all it can be after such a disjointed session - is that Red Bull are quick enough to put Mercedes under pressure when qualifying starts at 13:00 local time (19:00 BST).
However, Mercedes have the ability to turn their engine up further for qualifying and have usually had enough pace to stretch their legs and take pole position.
Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel was sixth quickest, ahead of Force India's Nico Hulkenberg, Williams' Valtteri Bottas and the McLarens of Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso.
Swami
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Lewis Hamilton beats Nico Rosberg to United States GP pole
By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Austin
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37741983
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The United States Grand Prix is live on the BBC Sport website and radio 5 live
Lewis Hamilton beat Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg to pole position at the United States Grand Prix.
It could be a crucial achievement for Hamilton, who needs to beat Rosberg in the race on Sunday to revive his faltering championship hopes.
Hamilton, who was 0.216 seconds ahead, trails by 33 points with 100 available.
Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo beat team-mate Max Verstappen to third, ahead of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel.
Hamilton reported gearbox issues during qualifying - this is a race he cannot afford to retire from
Sunday's race is live from 20:00 BST, with coverage online from 18:30 BST.
Hamilton on great form
Hamilton was in convincing form throughout qualifying, fastest on both runs in the top 10 shoot-out and in the first session, although Rosberg pipped him by 0.099secs in the second session.
Hamilton has made several bad starts this season
His attention will now be focused on the start, with which he has problems several times this season, because of the importance of leading into the first corner.
With warm, sunny weather predicted in southern Texas for race day - and 95,000 people expected through the gates - overtaking during the race will be difficult for whichever Mercedes driver is behind on the first lap.
"I feel amazing," Hamilton said. "It is my first pole here and many years of trying.
"I want to say a big thank you to the crowd - I could hear everyone cheering as I crossed the line and the energy was incredible."
Talk of pop star Taylor Swift, left, playing at the circuit on Saturday night has almost overshadowed proceedings on track
Rosberg said: "Lewis was just quicker in sector one today. That's the way it is. He did a good job.
"As we have seen this year, qualifying is not all-important so I still have a good chance in the race."
Red Bull's strategy could make them contenders
The healthy crowd at the Circuit of the Americas, some of whom have been attracted by the chance to watch pop superstar Taylor Swift for free as part of the admission cost, were treated to an exciting session as the Mercedes duelled it out.
Hamilton now has two poles at United States GPs. The same as American racing legend Mario Andretti (1968 and 1978), seen here driving the '68 Lotus. Source: Forix
The race has added intrigue because of Mercedes' decision to start on the soft tyre, on which they set their fastest times in Q2, while Red Bull have split their drivers - Ricciardo starts on the super-soft and Verstappen on the soft.
The Red Bulls matched Mercedes for pace on their high-fuel race-simulation runs in Friday practice and could be a threat in the race.
Mixing up the drivers' strategies may keep Mercedes guessing if Red Bull can show comparable pace on Sunday afternoon.
Ricciardo said: "We expected it to go like this. Max wanted to try the soft and I was happy to go on the super-soft. I was more comfortable on that tyre in the long runs yesterday and hopefully it gives me a better launch off the line as well.
Infamous: Verstappen is set to have a rule change named after him as bosses decided to outlaw moving under braking - a technique which has infuriated many drivers
"We expected Mercedes to be very hard to beat and we have a good buffer over Ferrari. I think we have a good chance for tomorrow."
Ferrari, and Vettel, taking the wrong approach
Ferrari were well out of it on one-lap pace, Raikkonen nearly 1.132secs slower than Hamilton and 0.227secs ahead of Vettel.
Informed observers say Vettel, whose form has slipped compared to Raikkonen in recent races, is trying to force the car to do things it cannot in his attempt to use his preferred driving style, rather than adapting to the car's behaviour.
"Kimi did a very good job today," said Vettel. "Both Q3 laps I wasn't happy. I probably pushed a bit too hard and we know that backfires on these tyres, but that is not an excuse, I should have done a better job.
It is part of the reason why I am not entirely happy with today but the gap to the cars in front is what we don't like. Coming here and seeing we are not as competitive as we thought is not good news."
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'Cowboy walks into a hairdresser's' - Vettel's bad joke
Difficult day for Button
The top 10 was completed by Force Indias Nico Hulkenberg, the Williams drivers Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa and Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz as McLaren failed to make it through into the final session for the second consecutive race.
It was an especially poor day for Jenson Button in what is probably his last US Grand Prix - he was eliminated in the first session after McLaren sent him out on the 'soft' tyre for his first run and then encountering traffic on this final run on the super-soft.
Red Bull were paid a visit from skateboarder Ryan Sheckler - but did they clock the Mercedes tattoo on the right knee?
Team-mate Fernando Alonso qualified 12th after being 0.414secs quicker than Button in the first session.
Jolyon Palmer put in a strong performance for Renault, taking 15th place, three positions and nearly 0.4secs quicker than team-mate Kevin Magnussen.
Swami
By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Austin
- 22 Oct
- From the section Formula 1
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37741983
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The United States Grand Prix is live on the BBC Sport website and radio 5 live
Lewis Hamilton beat Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg to pole position at the United States Grand Prix.
It could be a crucial achievement for Hamilton, who needs to beat Rosberg in the race on Sunday to revive his faltering championship hopes.
Hamilton, who was 0.216 seconds ahead, trails by 33 points with 100 available.
Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo beat team-mate Max Verstappen to third, ahead of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel.
Hamilton reported gearbox issues during qualifying - this is a race he cannot afford to retire from
Sunday's race is live from 20:00 BST, with coverage online from 18:30 BST.
Hamilton on great form
Hamilton was in convincing form throughout qualifying, fastest on both runs in the top 10 shoot-out and in the first session, although Rosberg pipped him by 0.099secs in the second session.
Hamilton has made several bad starts this season
His attention will now be focused on the start, with which he has problems several times this season, because of the importance of leading into the first corner.
With warm, sunny weather predicted in southern Texas for race day - and 95,000 people expected through the gates - overtaking during the race will be difficult for whichever Mercedes driver is behind on the first lap.
"I feel amazing," Hamilton said. "It is my first pole here and many years of trying.
"I want to say a big thank you to the crowd - I could hear everyone cheering as I crossed the line and the energy was incredible."
Talk of pop star Taylor Swift, left, playing at the circuit on Saturday night has almost overshadowed proceedings on track
Rosberg said: "Lewis was just quicker in sector one today. That's the way it is. He did a good job.
"As we have seen this year, qualifying is not all-important so I still have a good chance in the race."
Red Bull's strategy could make them contenders
The healthy crowd at the Circuit of the Americas, some of whom have been attracted by the chance to watch pop superstar Taylor Swift for free as part of the admission cost, were treated to an exciting session as the Mercedes duelled it out.
Hamilton now has two poles at United States GPs. The same as American racing legend Mario Andretti (1968 and 1978), seen here driving the '68 Lotus. Source: Forix
The race has added intrigue because of Mercedes' decision to start on the soft tyre, on which they set their fastest times in Q2, while Red Bull have split their drivers - Ricciardo starts on the super-soft and Verstappen on the soft.
The Red Bulls matched Mercedes for pace on their high-fuel race-simulation runs in Friday practice and could be a threat in the race.
Mixing up the drivers' strategies may keep Mercedes guessing if Red Bull can show comparable pace on Sunday afternoon.
Ricciardo said: "We expected it to go like this. Max wanted to try the soft and I was happy to go on the super-soft. I was more comfortable on that tyre in the long runs yesterday and hopefully it gives me a better launch off the line as well.
Infamous: Verstappen is set to have a rule change named after him as bosses decided to outlaw moving under braking - a technique which has infuriated many drivers
"We expected Mercedes to be very hard to beat and we have a good buffer over Ferrari. I think we have a good chance for tomorrow."
Ferrari, and Vettel, taking the wrong approach
Ferrari were well out of it on one-lap pace, Raikkonen nearly 1.132secs slower than Hamilton and 0.227secs ahead of Vettel.
Informed observers say Vettel, whose form has slipped compared to Raikkonen in recent races, is trying to force the car to do things it cannot in his attempt to use his preferred driving style, rather than adapting to the car's behaviour.
"Kimi did a very good job today," said Vettel. "Both Q3 laps I wasn't happy. I probably pushed a bit too hard and we know that backfires on these tyres, but that is not an excuse, I should have done a better job.
It is part of the reason why I am not entirely happy with today but the gap to the cars in front is what we don't like. Coming here and seeing we are not as competitive as we thought is not good news."
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'Cowboy walks into a hairdresser's' - Vettel's bad joke
Difficult day for Button
The top 10 was completed by Force Indias Nico Hulkenberg, the Williams drivers Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa and Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz as McLaren failed to make it through into the final session for the second consecutive race.
It was an especially poor day for Jenson Button in what is probably his last US Grand Prix - he was eliminated in the first session after McLaren sent him out on the 'soft' tyre for his first run and then encountering traffic on this final run on the super-soft.
Red Bull were paid a visit from skateboarder Ryan Sheckler - but did they clock the Mercedes tattoo on the right knee?
Team-mate Fernando Alonso qualified 12th after being 0.414secs quicker than Button in the first session.
Jolyon Palmer put in a strong performance for Renault, taking 15th place, three positions and nearly 0.4secs quicker than team-mate Kevin Magnussen.
Swami
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Lewis Hamilton takes 50th win at United States GP
By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Austin
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37746926
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Lewis Hamilton cut his championship points deficit to Nico Rosberg as he cruised to a comfortable victory in the United States Grand Prix.
Hamilton's first win since the German Grand Prix in July puts him 26 points behind his Mercedes team-mate with 75 available in the remaining three races.
Rosberg finished second after recovering a position lost to Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo at the start.
The Australian finished third ahead of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.
That's better: Hamilton had not won since the German Grand Prix in July
The world champion has now won 50 races in his career, with only Alain Prost (51) and Michael Schumacher (91) having won more than that number in the history of the sport.
Hamilton still has work to do
Hamilton's long-awaited and much-needed victory halts the momentum Rosberg had built up since the summer break, since which the German has taken four victories in five races.
Pop star Taylor Swift played to 70,000 people after Saturday's qualifying session
But the Englishman is still up against it - the mathematics of the championship situation are that Rosberg is still able to tie up the title by finishing second to Hamilton in the final three races - Mexico next weekend, and then Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
But Hamilton can only do what is within his control, and he grabbed this weekend by the scruff of the neck from first practice and never let go.
An excellent pole position was followed by a solid start, a lead into the first corner and a dominant victory, in which he lost the lead only through the first pit-stop period.
Hamilton has now won five times in the United States, sharing that accomplishment with only one other - Michael Schumacher. Source: Forix
Luck still going Rosberg's way
Rosberg also made a decent start, but his focus on Hamilton into the first corner gave Ricciardo the chance to challenge the Mercedes driver and the Red Bull took second around the outside of the fast kink of Turn Two.
Ricciardo held a de facto second through the first pit stop period, and then made an early final pit stop for medium tyres on lap 25 of 56.
Ricciardo celebrates another successful attempt to get a celebrity - this time Gerard Butler - to drink from his shoe on the podium
He would have hoped to get second place back from Rosberg when the German made his second and final pit stops a few laps later.
But then Ricciardo's team-mate Max Verstappen suffered a gearbox failure.
That brought out the virtual safety car for more than a lap as the marshals recovered the Red Bull and that gave the Mercedes team a chance to get a "free" pit stop for both cars, and allowed Rosberg to retain second place.
Lewis Hamilton was a guest on the American talkshow programme The Ellen Degeneres Show earlier this week
Ricciardo expressed his frustration in swear words over the radio but realised there was nothing he could do.
Verstappen calls in, but no-one's home
Verstappen had been running fourth until he made a pit stop by mistake on lap 26, thinking in error that the team had called him in. The mechanics were not ready for him and he was delayed by some time as they scrambled to service the car.
Erm, tyres, anyone? Max Verstappen comes into the pits unannounced, leaving his crew frantically scrambling
It dropped the Dutchman to sixth but it became academic when the gearbox failed three laps later.
Gun control - or lack of
Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen was on course to take fifth behind Vettel, but the team's decision to put him on a three-stop strategy with a third stint on super-soft tyres ultimately led to his demise.
Ferrari were fined £4,500 for an unsafe release.
"Is that Soyuz an optimal rocket?": McLaren boss Ron Dennis entertains British astronaut Tim Peake
Alonso shows his skills
Behind the big three teams, there was an epic battle for fifth place in the closing laps between Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz, Williams' Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso's McLaren.
Sainz was nursing fading tyres and held off pressure from Massa and Alonso for a number of laps.
Alonso has pulled off some stunning starts this season
Massa made no attempt to attack the Toro Rosso but things changed when Alonso grabbed sixth place from Massa with an opportunistic move at Turn 15 with four laps to go after the Brazilian locked a wheel.
The two did touch during the move, however, Massa getting a slow puncture but holding on to seventh place. The incident was investigated after the race by stewards, but no further action was taken.
Alonso then set out after Sainz and closed the two-second gap within a little over a lap and was on to his compatriot and friend's tail with a lap and a half to go. A move into the first corner was defended by Sainz but Alonso then dived for the inside into Turn 12 and took the place.
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'Cowboy walks into a hairdresser's' - Vettel's bad joke
Alonso ran wide on the exit but Sainz was unable to take advantage and fifth place was his. "Yee-hah," Alonso cried over the radio in delight.
His team-mate Jenson Button made a strong start to run 11th on the first lap from 19th on the grid, but he was well off the Spaniard's pace - regularly lapping well over half a second slower - and finished ninth behind Force India's Sergio Perez.
US Grand Prix results
Mercedes have now won three times in the United States, equalling the achievements of BRM, who won with Graham Hill in the mid 1960s. Source: Forix
Rosberg could win the title next week in Mexico if he wins and Hamilton fails to score a point
In a BBC Sport poll, 51% thought it was a right to outlaw moving under braking - with 49% disagreeing - after Verstappen's aggressive racing caused F1 bosses to act this weekend
Red Bull were paid a visit from skateboarder Ryan Sheckler - but did they clock the Mercedes tattoo on the right knee?
"Can you put me down, please?" Hamilton's dog made an appearance in the paddock
Publicity stuntman: Daniel Ricciardo played tribute to Evel Knievel with his helmet design
Tennis star Venus Williams was spotted among celebrities on the grid
Swami
By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Austin
- 9 hours ago
- From the section Formula 1
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37746926
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Lewis Hamilton cut his championship points deficit to Nico Rosberg as he cruised to a comfortable victory in the United States Grand Prix.
Hamilton's first win since the German Grand Prix in July puts him 26 points behind his Mercedes team-mate with 75 available in the remaining three races.
Rosberg finished second after recovering a position lost to Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo at the start.
The Australian finished third ahead of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.
That's better: Hamilton had not won since the German Grand Prix in July
The world champion has now won 50 races in his career, with only Alain Prost (51) and Michael Schumacher (91) having won more than that number in the history of the sport.
Hamilton still has work to do
Hamilton's long-awaited and much-needed victory halts the momentum Rosberg had built up since the summer break, since which the German has taken four victories in five races.
Pop star Taylor Swift played to 70,000 people after Saturday's qualifying session
But the Englishman is still up against it - the mathematics of the championship situation are that Rosberg is still able to tie up the title by finishing second to Hamilton in the final three races - Mexico next weekend, and then Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
But Hamilton can only do what is within his control, and he grabbed this weekend by the scruff of the neck from first practice and never let go.
An excellent pole position was followed by a solid start, a lead into the first corner and a dominant victory, in which he lost the lead only through the first pit-stop period.
Hamilton has now won five times in the United States, sharing that accomplishment with only one other - Michael Schumacher. Source: Forix
- Listen again: Hamilton wins in Austin
Luck still going Rosberg's way
Rosberg also made a decent start, but his focus on Hamilton into the first corner gave Ricciardo the chance to challenge the Mercedes driver and the Red Bull took second around the outside of the fast kink of Turn Two.
Ricciardo held a de facto second through the first pit stop period, and then made an early final pit stop for medium tyres on lap 25 of 56.
Ricciardo celebrates another successful attempt to get a celebrity - this time Gerard Butler - to drink from his shoe on the podium
He would have hoped to get second place back from Rosberg when the German made his second and final pit stops a few laps later.
But then Ricciardo's team-mate Max Verstappen suffered a gearbox failure.
That brought out the virtual safety car for more than a lap as the marshals recovered the Red Bull and that gave the Mercedes team a chance to get a "free" pit stop for both cars, and allowed Rosberg to retain second place.
Lewis Hamilton was a guest on the American talkshow programme The Ellen Degeneres Show earlier this week
Ricciardo expressed his frustration in swear words over the radio but realised there was nothing he could do.
Verstappen calls in, but no-one's home
Verstappen had been running fourth until he made a pit stop by mistake on lap 26, thinking in error that the team had called him in. The mechanics were not ready for him and he was delayed by some time as they scrambled to service the car.
Erm, tyres, anyone? Max Verstappen comes into the pits unannounced, leaving his crew frantically scrambling
It dropped the Dutchman to sixth but it became academic when the gearbox failed three laps later.
Gun control - or lack of
Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen was on course to take fifth behind Vettel, but the team's decision to put him on a three-stop strategy with a third stint on super-soft tyres ultimately led to his demise.
- Listen again: Raikkonen out of race after pit stop problem
Ferrari were fined £4,500 for an unsafe release.
"Is that Soyuz an optimal rocket?": McLaren boss Ron Dennis entertains British astronaut Tim Peake
Alonso shows his skills
Behind the big three teams, there was an epic battle for fifth place in the closing laps between Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz, Williams' Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso's McLaren.
Sainz was nursing fading tyres and held off pressure from Massa and Alonso for a number of laps.
Alonso has pulled off some stunning starts this season
Massa made no attempt to attack the Toro Rosso but things changed when Alonso grabbed sixth place from Massa with an opportunistic move at Turn 15 with four laps to go after the Brazilian locked a wheel.
The two did touch during the move, however, Massa getting a slow puncture but holding on to seventh place. The incident was investigated after the race by stewards, but no further action was taken.
Alonso then set out after Sainz and closed the two-second gap within a little over a lap and was on to his compatriot and friend's tail with a lap and a half to go. A move into the first corner was defended by Sainz but Alonso then dived for the inside into Turn 12 and took the place.
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'Cowboy walks into a hairdresser's' - Vettel's bad joke
Alonso ran wide on the exit but Sainz was unable to take advantage and fifth place was his. "Yee-hah," Alonso cried over the radio in delight.
His team-mate Jenson Button made a strong start to run 11th on the first lap from 19th on the grid, but he was well off the Spaniard's pace - regularly lapping well over half a second slower - and finished ninth behind Force India's Sergio Perez.
US Grand Prix results
Mercedes have now won three times in the United States, equalling the achievements of BRM, who won with Graham Hill in the mid 1960s. Source: Forix
Rosberg could win the title next week in Mexico if he wins and Hamilton fails to score a point
In a BBC Sport poll, 51% thought it was a right to outlaw moving under braking - with 49% disagreeing - after Verstappen's aggressive racing caused F1 bosses to act this weekend
Red Bull were paid a visit from skateboarder Ryan Sheckler - but did they clock the Mercedes tattoo on the right knee?
"Can you put me down, please?" Hamilton's dog made an appearance in the paddock
Publicity stuntman: Daniel Ricciardo played tribute to Evel Knievel with his helmet design
Tennis star Venus Williams was spotted among celebrities on the grid
Swami