Dramatically, and perhaps decisively, Lewis Hamilton poked the nose of his Mercedes ahead of Nico Rosberg to win the American Grand Prix.
The moment the Briton seized the race – and moved significantly closer to the world title itself – came in the 24th lap at the Circuit of Americas, his run down to the inside of left hairpin at the end of the back straight too brisk and too daring for his team-mate to withstand.
Hamilton’s victory under the Texan sun was his fifth in succession and 32nd of his career – making him, in terms of grand prix wins, the most successful British driver in Formula One history, eclipsing Nigel Mansell, and in 41 fewer races.
But it is not race victories that Hamilton is most avidly chasing but a second world title that would put him behind only Sir Jackie Stewart, who was watching from the paddock in his trademark tartan trews, in the pantheon of our motor racing greats.
Hamilton’s lead over Rosberg, who finished second, is now 24 points. There are 75 still available, with Sao Paulo the next call on Sunday and Abu Dhabi a fortnight later, when points ludicrously count double. So the mathematics says that the contest is far from over, but the psychology says it is.
Rosberg has provided Hamilton a far tougher test than many imagined possible at the start of the season yet ultimately he may have to concede defeat to Hamilton’s one stupendous gift: improbable speed.
Hamilton, starting second, had little chance at the start to sweep past Rosberg, who had claimed pole position so strongly. The pole side of the track here, heading into the giant first corner climb, is a bigger advantage than usual and Rosberg had got away cleanly.
But, as the German admitted afterwards, he was struggling for rhythm. But he still emerged clearly ahead after the first round of pit stops. At that stage his lead was 2.5sec. But Hamilton refused to give up. With his race-stealing move, he made the event worthwhile in front of the American fans he has taken to heart.
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