Lewis Hamilton insisted that he is “still here” and was ready to take Mercedes “to the top” after coming agonizingly close to his first victory of the season at the United States GP.
The seven-time world champion took the lead after a long pit stop from Max Verstappen and looked on course to record an unexpected and long-awaited win. However, red bull‘s double world champion fought back to first overtake Charles Leclerc into Turn 12, and then Hamilton with six laps remaining.
Once Verstappen got back into his stride, Red Bull’s massive tire and pace advantage was always going to be difficult to keep at bay. The Dutchman has now equaled the record for most wins in a season (13), and Red Bull have taken their fifth Constructors’ Championship.
Hamilton, though, was taking plenty of positives from just having a chance of a win, and made a bullish statement on a formula 1 fightback.
What did Lewis Hamilton say about US Grand Prix?
“We were closer today so really proud of everybody,” he told Sky Sports F1. “Sorry I couldn’t get the win; I gave it absolutely everything. What I will take from today is we had good pace – and I am still here. I know that when they build the car, I will take it to the top , so we just have to keep on working.”
Hamilton added that leading the race late on “felt amazing” and that “for a second I thought maybe we might be able to hold onto it.”
Hamilton continued: “I could see that he was closing a second a lap and I couldn’t really answer to it for a while. Then he came from so far back on the straight, I think they are 10kph faster than us on the straight Normally anyway and at the end of the straight my mirrors were vibrating so much I couldn’t see where he was so it was difficult to defend.”
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 23: Second placed Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes celebrates on the podium following the F1 Grand Prix of USA at Circuit of The Americas on October 23, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Many observers have stated that while Hamilton is yet to win this season, he is continuing to prove that he is one of the greatest drivers of all time.
Hamilton’s love for speed and superb control of the vehicle was demonstrated in a video that has emerged from the build up to the race in Austin.
What is faster, an F1 car or a jet?
Hamilton was seen testing his Mercedes in a head-to-head with a jet on an open runway. Hamilton recorded the footage from his cockpit and showed fantastic control of the F1 machine as he powered down the track.
Video: Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes vs a jet
Hamilton pulled down the visor on his helmet and then, from a flying start, made up good ground on the aircraft. The pilot responded and the pair were equally matched as they continued to charge down the runway.
Once the jet hit the necessary velocity, it suddenly took off and lifted into the air before swooping round and straight over Hamilton’s head.
Hamilton posted the video on Instagram writing: “Racing the jet was so mad, had to record it for myself. Hope you enjoyed the ride.”
Video: Mercedes post video of Lewis Hamilton vs jet
Many fans commented, a number being impressed by Hamilton’s ability to control the car at such a pace and video the proceedings.
One stated: “Driving a Formula 1 car with one hand on the wheel and the other one recording the JET he is RACING AGAINST… Sir Lewis, you are truly a living legend.”
Another wrote: “The pure skill, recording and driving simultaneously.”
Hamilton, meanwhile, is running out of time to extend his F1 record of winning a race in all of his seasons – 16 to date.
There are three races left in 2022, in Mexico this weekend, Brazil and Abu Dhabi. He acknowledged that a win would be a “huge triumph for us all” and did say that Mercedes had to be “realistic” with their expectations for the season.
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